On the Road to Passchendaele

One of Scotland's top Pipers Major RTD Gavin Stoddart MBE BEM and Hawick singer song writer Alan Brydon perform their song for Passchendaele during the Tattoo on Flanders in August 2007. The song was specially commissioned by the organisers of the new memorial to fallen Scots at Passchendaele, Flanders.
audio track downloadable from itunes.apple.com/gb/album/on-t...
See also Calling Doon The Line

[@nacho1560]

SteveB, my late dad fought in WWII, landing on D Day. His Scots Regmt, the KOSB's fought alongside an Ulster regiment in the battle for Caen. My dad's regiment were told to hold out for days. The days became weeks as the Germans had a Panzer tank regiment opposing them. My dad said it was great when the Irish arrived and he knew he'd live. One said to him "well done, Jock, leave it to the Ulstermen now" with a wink. "So brave they were" my dad would say with tears in his eyes.

[@TuxedoElf]

The old footage of the solders marching just breaks my heart - so many never marched back home again. This song is a sad but beautiful tribute.

[@gordonmorton1976]

My great-grandfather was one of the lucky ones. He looked after the horses that pulled the artillery guns in WW1. He was captured by the German army and sent to Germany to work on a farm where he was taught how to speak German and how to ride a horse. After the war finished he was sent home.

[@mohammedlachgar1018]

Love the coment

[@mankytrouthammock1003]

Brilliant pal. My great gran lost her 2 boys in WW1. real men who gave their lives for us. God rest them 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@HickoryJ]

RIP Harry Patch, last fighting tommy, 1898-2009. He happened to be a veteran of Passchendaele himself.

[@tamrutherford2485]

Paid tribute at his grave side a few years back with friends from Coatbridge and Bristol and Carrickfergus.

[@MrCarpelan]

What a hero. His words against war stuck to me. I'm committed to opposing war at all opportunities. I hope the world may see sense one day, just like Harry Patch would have wanted.

[@MrCarpelan]

@@tamrutherford2485 Where can I find his grave? If I ever travel to England, I would love to pay my respects to one of the most significant individuals of my life Harry Patch.

[@pogmathon100]

A number of people here have commented about war and the nature of war. I recently visited a place in Normandy, near Dieppe, called Varengeville Sur Mer. It looks out over the sea on a cliff top and is a most peaceful spot. The painter Monet painted a scene there and the artist Braque is buried in the churchyard. But there is also another grave, a solitary British War Graves Commission grave to Lance Corporal M Millar of the Seaforth Highlanders who died on 10th June 1940, aged 21. I found it quite moving as it gave rise to so many thoughts, and later that day, as I sailed back to England from nearby Dieppe I thought of that man and wondered about him and his short life and his grieving parents. When he died my own father would have been 24 and already in the army. Although badly wounded he survived the war and had a full life. He died in 2009 at the age of 93. He lived another 69 years after this young man's death. This is what war does. What might this young man have done had he lived? I cant imagine the millions who died in the Great War or the Second World War, but I can imagine a single soldier and wonder. We should visit these places and these graves, just occasionally, and think of them.

[@robertsmyth4998]

dan lemo i

[@mohammedlachgar1018]

Love the coment

[@raibeartthehairypict4696]

I agree with you 100%. Really great comment mate.

[@gerogegerog5926]

We also can’t forget the 40,000 Canadians who had they’re lives taken at dieppe

[@wwireenactingchannel7844]

My great-greatgrandfather fought in Zonnebeke and Passchendaele during WW1 and survived. He was Scottish and this song gets to me so much. Thanks for uploading! Cheers from Flanders, I live where he fought back then.

[@gerogegerog5926]

My great grandfather also served in ww1 he was artillary in princess Patricia,s canadian light infantry he was in Ypres the Somme passchendaele but wasn’t on vimy ridge cause he was injured

[@mankytrouthammock1003]

Real heroes, gave their all for the freedom we enjoy today.

[@louislamonte334]

How truly beautiful!! This rips my heart open. My dear grandfather, Albert Frederick Rassmuss, did not participate in this but he was absolutely a member of the AEF and saw heavy combat in France and Belgium in 1917-18. He saw unimaginable horror and suffered from serious PTSD for the rest of his life. I knew him when I was very young and I remember him as a very kind, sweet man with serious sadness behind his eyes. My heart breaks to see these beautiful boys and men sacrificed and thrown into that sickening Hell!

[@khughes1963]

Beautiful tribute to all who died at Passchendaele.

[@coralbitten5335]

omg I am crying ..my great uncle died there aged 19 .feel quiet moved we don't know how lucky we are

[@BradNC11175]

I'm American born & raised but my roots are UK through & through: English/Scot/Irish and am damned proud to say it. It's no far stretch of the imagination to say that the Celtic immigrants of Scotland & Ireland have payed more in sweat blood & tears than any other for this country. It's not a stretch of the imagination to say it was the Celts who gave us independence from England above all. The Celts more than any fought and died by the bushel on both sides of our Civil War. God bless the Celts!

[@raibeartthehairypict4696]

My great, great Grandfather was a Scotsman like myself, and fought in the Great War. He was shot at the battle of Loos. This song gets me every time.. Lovely but really sad. We will remember them. LWF.

[@brittillidie7126]

we will remember them rab. Watp and no surrender. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@nikitahunter927]

There’s a light that shines in Flanders As a beacon for the brave From the distant past it wanders To recall the lives they gave And it tells each generation To be wise and never fail And Remember Those Who've Fallen On the road to Passchendaele Chorus On the road to Passchendaele On the road to Passchendaele Where the brave will live forever On the road to Passchendaele (repeat) Come with me and I will show you Why all wars should ever cease Take a walk among the gravestones And your tears will cry for peace For their spirits walk in Flanders You can hear the grieving wail For the brave who laid their lives down On the road to Passchendaele Chorus On the road to Passchendaele On the road to Passchendaele Where the brave will live forever On the road to Passchendaele (repeat)

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

Oh thank you so much.

[@brendahodges9488]

My husbands gt Uncle Michael Thomas Brown, DLI kia on 21- Sept 1917 no known Grave . My Grandad Arthur Finlay Smith Rha/Rfa who was gassed.on 6Nov 1917. Luckily survived, succumbed with Emphesema 1940. To all those who fought and gave their lives for us God bless.you all.xxxx💕💕

[@altmarkmaik]

Hello from Germany I very often sound the song. The poor soldiers of all involved lands had to experience inconceivable grief. Their generals have sent the soldiers without hesitation in the death. I was 2 weeks ago in Flanders and have looked the memorials and battlefields around Ieper. Never again war!!! For peace there is no alternative. lots of love Maik from Eastern Germany

[@Gehenna71]

Thank you for coming. Please come again when the hipe 14-18 has calmed down a bit. You'll see so much more and it is even more sad without all those people. The silence you know. Greets from Flanders the place where the soil is drenched with blood of innocent man and boys and tears of their broken mothers. This may never happen again. NOWHERE!

[@ghostpiper1]

Lovely comment altmarkmaik.

[@GarngadLoyalists]

No more Brother Wars. Nur der HSV - wir sind das Volk Glasgow Rangers No Surrender

[@ghostpiper1]

***** Well said my friend :)

[@bradcubis2001]

Well said my brother god bless you

[@northernculturewarrior8141]

My great-great grandfather fought in the Easter Uprising, his brother fought in the Ulster Division. Brave men both, Gods rest their souls.

[@adampatterson4857]

That would be an impressive/rather strange story if true.

[@watertowercat]

Bless them both.

[@jackjones6482]

@@adampatterson4857 it was quite common for young Irish men, even those who were Catholic to join up after the war started; 1916 was a big turning point. The Easter Uprising was led by fairly extremist nationalists, who didn't seek merely home rule within the UK, but a fully sovereign Republic. The backlash and execution of most of the leaders of the uprising actually had a bigger impact than the uprising itself; most Irish (Catholics) didn't necessarily agree with the revolt, both the methods and goals, but much more strongly opposed the backlash and retribution from the British government. And instead of realising this, the Brits later attempted to impose conscription in Ireland in April 1918, when everyone knew it was a bloody mess that was nothing but a sinkhole for the lives of young men with no clear aim or justified cause. There were mutinies of some united later in the war, but most remained soldier remained loyal. Again, the war, the Easter Uprising, but mostly it's aftershocks helped turn the majority Catholic community in Ireland from supporting the Irish Parliamentary Party efforts towards Home Rule, still being within the UK but with select spending powers (mostly outside of foreign affairs/national defence), to by the end of the war, mostly supporting full independence and sovereignty under a united republic. It wasn't uncommon to have family technically on both sides, given the fast shifting ground.

[@stuartbarr5691]

The somme and passchendale are something scots and Ulstermen will remember

[@georgiebickerstaff2791]

@@adampatterson4857 yes was thinking that, there was allegiance to the crown, or Irish uprising surprising indeed WE MUST NEVER FORGET 🌺🌺🌺❤️❤️❤️🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@robertthomson4013]

Scottish British proud 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@deirdremcintosh3266]

my grandad joined the Black Watch in 1914 aged 14! He was a boy drummer and a piper. We have photos if him but he never spoke of his experiences in the trenches; think I know why.

[@texaspatriot1649]

God rest his soul!!!!! R.I.P.

[@NotToLookAt]

They will never grow old.

[@Creativetoursflorida]

Amazing song and lyrics for all wars ! Visit Flanders and battlefields of Passchendaele, look at graves in thousands and remember those that did not come home !

[@noelmarlow8659]

My father fought at the battle of Passchendaele and on his return he built a home and named it Passchendaele; the home we built and now live in is called Passchendaele.

[@1loopyloo]

Brilliant song, once the Bagpipes started every hair on my body was standing. Just Beautiful and a great honor to those that fought and gave there lives.

[@ghostpiper1]

I can assure you Lisa, this song/tune has the same effect on everyone, including the people playing it. My band was one of the ones in the video and everyone of us felt the same. :) Lest We Forget.

[@edwardmcdowall2995]

@thomas Prior british & commonwealth blood .

[@joeleblanc5317]

My Grandfather served Canada at the Vimy Ridge, The Somme, Passchedaele where he was posioned by the green gas retreveing wounded. the mask made it difficult so he took his off. He raised me and they say I am his image. I served 7 combat tours from Nan to Iraq and I still connot image the horrors of WW! or WW2. I go num trying to. I wish I asked him more about it but now I can only read about it.

[@Greg93x]

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"- George Santayana

[@jamesmacgregor195]

Still come back and listen to this beautiful song and remember the brave.

[@DonnyMacG]

I will never forget my great Grandfather Pte Galloway Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders laid to rest in Joncourt cemetery with his brothers in arms, Aye, Alba gu Brath

[@romulusaugustus7344]

Respect to you brother from one Brit to another.

[@thepetboy12345]

My great grandfather was Argyll and Sutherland highlanders. Sgt. J. Thompson

[@catskin21]

I could just weep. This is a beautiful and thought provoking song. The pipes are haunting and beautiful. Boy the Scottish have a talent for writing emotional music.

[@jordanmunro8084]

Brilliant lest we forget♥

[@iainjohnston5843]

From an american much respect to the british troops as americans fought alongside them in ww1 ...lest we forget what are brave soldiers give for us to be who we are 🇺🇸

[@oo2small]

God rest their souls. My grandfather fought with the British Expeditionary forces in His Majesties Royal Artillery. Thankfully he survived and I am here to type this.

[@johnmcnerlin4056]

Aww what a great song. TO THOSE BRAVE YOUNG MEN WHO LOST THERE LIVES

[@HammersmithHardman]

My Great Grandfather, a man I got to know, thankfully as he lived until I was 14, fought at Passchendaele with the 33rd Battalion Machine Gun Corp. He lived to tell the tale, or not tell the tale as the case was. He never spoke to a single person about the things he saw there, and it was only years after his death that we found out a little of the part that he played. my Mum, his granddaughter, never even knew he'd been in the army until after he died. The owners of his old house found a tin box when they were knocking down a wall which he had hidden inside that wall which contained all his medals, Insignia, service records etc. He was a lovely man who on the surface at least appeared to be at peace, I really hope that was true on the inside, also? Wonderful song. Lest we forget.

[@thechieftain8936]

100 years ago those grave boys went over the top into that hell

[@TravisLoneWolfWalsh]

The Chieftain we in Newfoundland lost a generation

[@scocha1514]

Lest we forget. Proud to be associated.

[@karendisbury6714]

I've just returned from attending 100th anniversary 'Silent City Meets Living City' This song was sung and pipes played, it was very emotional! My great uncle was K.I.A. On 12th October 1917 on the road to Passchendaele. Pte. Robert Robertson, 7th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders aged 19, always remembered

[@howardphillips3242]

Great tribute. The young people of today wouldn't servive in the conditions they had to endure.

[@clivewillis2733]

well it made me cry ,just how many life lost ,and yet we still argue ,and war against our fellow man ,or is it worse it was done by politicians that dont care

[@stevecartwright8113]

it was mass murder the biggest in history and present 20,000 and a full hearts team in the first hour 3rd of brittains gun shells went off lions run by donkeys. lest we forget god n ulster 1914-2016

[@kobaltteal7139]

WW2 had a higher death toll so it would be the biggest mass murder in history. around 60 million Soldiers and civilians were killed.

[@ekbooth1]

Never get tired of listening to this song. It is timeless, and can be used in any world conflict. Easy pipe tune to pick up as well. nemo me impune lacessit

[@LionelHutz100]

Oh yes, oh yes ;). Yesterday were the worlds(for pipebands) in Glasgow. After that I remembered this song. Still love it!!

[@romulusaugustus7344]

Lionel Hutz The UVF often use this song as they did the British proud in WW1 & 2 & for that reason I love the Northern Irish(I love Southern Irish people to just Northern Irish more because of their valiance in WW2) thankyou from England!

[@Ashey1690]

Brave men and boys R.I.P. Lest we forget

[@Weemoose]

My great grandfather died in france #royaldublinfusilers #greatwar stand easy neil oneil

[@minegamesbe805]

My grandmother and Grandfather live in Passchendaele (i live not far from them) and when i'm there it's hard to think that it was so destroyed (like 03:39) There are alot cemeteries and monuments you can visit but when you see all those headstones it's assuming that every stone is a soldier who did not wanted to die and who didn't know if they won the war or not. NO MORE WAR is the only thing i can say. Lest we forget

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

♥

[@texaspatriot1649]

if we can only have that pleasure!!!!

[@sabrinaflufolk]

My partner and I visited on 11/11/13. Very moving to think the folk of Flanders live amongst the war graves. Our grateful thanks to you for your care of the fallen. My uncle Ernest Tipton is buried at Mendinghem Cemetery. He died at the Passchendaele 31st October 1917 aged 23. We stood at his grave as first light came up. We know he is walking beside us..

[@minegamesbe805]

:) Im happy to see a beautiful example of a soldier story who fought in my country. Thanks for sharing

[@unclephil440]

I had a great uncle who was a Finn. He was killed at Passchendaele and his widow who had one child did not receive a war widow's pension because he was a foreigner. She spent years in abject poverty. So much for "a land fit for heroes,"

[@Weemoose]

wow just wow... those pipes get me every time

[@HelenSSpencer77]

Never heard this song before! I love it as well as the pipes...very moving and heartfelt. Scotland Forever

[@fredbeach977]

I`m reminded of a when I read a book about the Scots in WW1, it wasn`t Passchendaele but Loos when a bedraggled Highlander who had been wounded, but able to walk, was making his own way back to the field hospital. He met a Military Policeman who said, "Some fight eh Jock ?" The Scotsman looked at the MP and replied "Aye an` sum dissnae." I`m English by the way but I appreciate Scots humour. Good song by the way

[@loveyuuhxoxo]

once lost never forgotton, always in mind always in heart

[@Redhackle]

Jimmy Lovely... tears flow freely .

[@Lucarius1]

Thanks Alan Brydon for this lovely tune and touching lyrics. Thanks Kritybrite for sharing this fantastic video. It will always remember me of my great-granny who was just 3 years old, when Passchendaele happened...

[@micheldepotter2967]

Living on the former frontline, we al daily confronted, even after 100 years, with the horrors of WO I. I would like to thank and remember all the fallen. I also send my thanks to there relatives who were left behind.

[@sabrinaflufolk]

Our thanks to the people of Flanders too. You lost so much 100 years ago. But our loved ones rest in your soil. xx

[@bradcubis2001]

Rest in peace all those brave young men Australians Canada India British troops lest we forget

[@flugswombleuda6561]

superb tune......

[@thewillem1160]

I am the basedrummer in a group of six persons. We have 3 pipers and 3 drummers.. The name of the group is Murphy's Law. We live in the netherlands. On the 21th of November we going to play this tune with our band for the first time for the people here in our village. Just because to pay a tribute for the men on the road to Passchendaele.. It's a beautifull tune... LEST WE FORGET!!!

[@fergusheather]

What a great tribute to all those who have fallen

[@briandeeny5731]

The memories will live on forever in our lives. The bravest of the Brave. They Shall not grow old as we that are left grow old age Shall not weary nor the years condemn at the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. REspect Lest we Forget.

[@stuartbarr5691]

great song. and should make all of us think. god rest them. Lest we Forget

[@masonhope]

Our 13 month old wee girl loves dancing to this song. Some day I'll tell her about the brave men and women who fought for our freedom. Lest we forget

[@alagentleman1]

God rest the souls of both sides, British and German, who fell at Passchendaele. What remained of the Christian chivalry, valor, and hardihood of Europe was shredded and thrown away in the civilizational suicide of the Great War. Europe and the world are so much lesser and poorer today for that loss.

[@MrSkuntz]

Found again! I purchased this song some odd years ago and in the process of moving music from one form to another lost this song to the .mp3 graveyard. Now found again! On November 11 2023 let us take a minute. Let us not forget and let it be "never again".

[@sky69cp19]

magic song I relate to this as I have been to Passchendaele and seen what war has done really moving experience and this song reminds me of this trip LWF

[@normanmcclements]

My grandfather fought with the Scots fusiliers World War 1 so proud one of the lucky ones he came home lest we forget

[@babdboi1]

My grandpa fought in the Canadian army in second world war and died on sword beach Normandy and his dad fought in the first world war and returned home shell shock after seeing the filed of flenders

[@roostersbays95]

rememberence from Adelaide, South Australia....

[@pedrorameses4364]

Never to be forgotten RIP

[@Ohh-Johnny-boy]

My Great Grandfather was one of Carson’s original volunteers he went to France as part of the 36th Ulster Division Royal Irish Fusiliers survived Rank Sergeant 27 yo my Great uncle was a 18 yo private in the Royal Irish Rifles survived also went on to fight in Mesopotamia (Iraq) shot 4 times recovered in a hospital in Egypt then shipped back to the U.K. and finally Lurgan town.

[@Idontcare-go4os]

They shall not grow old As we that are left grow old Age shall not wiery them Nor the years condemned At the going down of the sun And in the morning We will remember them We will remember them No surrender, for queen and country, For God and Ulster May they rest in peace and may we remember there sacrifice Lest We Forget🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@stevenvamplew4564]

my grandad was a royal engineer here, and its hit me like a tonne of bricks, god bless em all

[@jamesmacgregor195]

Lest we Forget

[@ruthsteers297]

There name liveth evermore God bless each and every one 🇬🇧🌺🌺

[@paulroberts929]

In ww1 and 2 so many brave souls marched to an unknown future and many of them paid the ultimate price. They gave their lives for freedom and justice and now they all lie in their graves, their names and spirits live on in those who remember them. Their selfless bravery and courage should never be forgotten. Remember those who fell and what they died for. LEST WE FORGET

[@jprawak]

This song brings tears of pride to my eyes each time I hear it. For all those that laid their lives down so that we my live in freedom thank you. I will never forget your sacrifice. Major Stoddart well done sir!

[@00Dinger00]

I love this song, Im from Hawick an iv been to the war graves an this song just bring back the emotion i felt when i walked in between the perfectly kept graves. Just liek ti sa well dun Alan this song is teesh. may we never forget those who gave there lives for our freedom. RIP

[@jamesforlow1757]

wit a song for our fallen heros lwf

[@trollsoldieryt6751]

my history teacher showed me this song. i often think of him, i hope he is doing well :)

[@stevenwalker6744]

May the brave live forever God bless the heroes xx

[@DanielleHircockCReatIVESpaRK]

Great song, great atmosphere. I like how you integrate the live performance with images and footage from the war. Very effective!

[@andreajacobson9862]

Heard this for the first time on the radio last Sunday and found it very moving I just love it

[@johnnycityman]

Great song and video especially when i have been to Flanders and the battlefields.

[@Duncansbroadsword]

Got this tune into me head over & over then had a go at it on my practice chanter a few times then went to me pipes it sounds great really fitting way to remember all our fallen soldiers.

[@yellowboxman]

We WILL remember them.

[@rab1688]

Awesome. Forever in Our Hearts Their Memory Shall Remain.

[@jamespeebles527]

I always cry then I remember

[@ajp1963]

my great uncle william denby died on 20th sept 1917,95 years ago today,lost with his brothers near the menin road,hopefully one day he will be found,god bless them all

[@HelenSSpencer77]

Beautiful, sad music. Heartbreaking pictures. Will we ever learn.

[@zifnow]

We didn't forgot you guys. Thanks. May you rest in peace.

[@EddieBullcrapsHorrorFlicks]

Remember The sacrifice of the Dead and Wounded Men who served their King, Kaiser, Czar, and President in the bitter Great War of 1914-1918. Allied or Central Powered, Men as tough as the ones who fought in this war aren't around anymore.

[@stuartbarr5691]

God bless them

[@craigb4719]

100 years ago on Monday 31st july Rip the 500 thousand

[@sensesfailler]

that was the best moment of that evening to me. it just gave me the shivers

[@TheDustysix]

I have added this to my Martial Music and Rebel/Scots playlists.

[@gordonmclees7509]

love Alans songs, bring a tear to my eyes everytime

[@SteveB2020]

AS an Ulster Volunteer watching the video of 'The Road to Paschendale' brought more than a few tears to my eyes. Such a lovely rendition with haunting footage. What a fitting tribute to our Fallen Comrades, if only they had the chance to sit where I sit to view the Heroics of the actions. For God and Ulster Dearly Beloved and Fallen Comrades, We walked that Bloody Road to the Somme. At the Going down of the Sun, We'll Marshall up once again! YOU REMAIN IN MY MEMORY FOREVER YOUNG!

[@rab1688]

awesome tribute, In Memory to all our boys.

[@michaelbrace3834]

My grandfather was in the horse artiiley and was taken as a prisoner he was lucky to come home his name is on war memorial in Strood Kent as they persomed missing in action

[@backy2k6]

we will remember them

[@RJC29091965]

Fantastic! Robin

[@MrStruth]

This is fantasic, such a moving song. lest we forget.

[@ScaleModelIncLIVE]

RIP Harry Patch, you were a true legend sir..... May your piper play you home

[@physicwolf]

thank u for posting. there are not enough songs remembering passchendaele. this one is really moving.

[@teflon49]

Beautiful..........thank you

[@PBCPIETER]

Lest we forget all the men that gave their live for our future. I am from Belgium and still here we can see the scars the Great War has left. Sometimes it makes me so sad... .

[@daanmartens5416]

respect for the soldiers in ww1, respect for the heroes and the cowards, respect for soldiers who survived it or died, they al whent throught a hell what changed their life forever

[@MrStruth]

Absolutly fantastic song

[@ruthsteers8990]

A beautiful tribute TO the fallen L.W.F