Piper Collection

JAMES WILLIAM PIPER

The latest material donated to SOFO consists of the medals, papers, photographs and even an oil painting of James William Piper.  

This gallant man was discharged from service with the 15th Hussars in 1893 with the Egyptian War Medal and the Khedive's Bronze Star, apparently having served under the name William Davies.  He left the Army with many compliments about his service including '….good rough rider'.

Before long he reappears in the 18th Hussars – at discharge in 1899 he has completed over 12 years military service with almost four of these overseas. He left with more ringing endorsements, again especially for his horsemanship.

Within months he had joined the Imperial Yeomanry and was almost immediately serving in South Africa with the 40th/10th under Captain Arnold Butler – many of whose papers were donated to us last year by his grandson.  And remarkably both men's names feature in each others surviving papers!  He was hardly back in England when he then joined the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars, by now a part-time soldier as he developed his business as a 'Breeches Maker and Practical Tailor' in Oxford.

He was not ended with full time soldiering though, enlisting in September 1914, still with the QOOH, but this time restricted to UK duties until discharged as unfit, probably aged 51, in 1918. 

But was that enough ?  No !  The superb oil painting we have received was commissioned in 1946 to mark another term of service, this time in the WW2 Home Guard during which period he was presented to King George VI when understood to be the oldest serving soldier in 1941. This portrait,  with an extensive collection of medals, letters, and numerous army forms/certificates, give a superb look back on the life and times of an amazing soldier and we are very grateful to Andrew and Tracey Valentine for their generosity in donating all of these items to SOFO. Tracey is James Piper's great-grand daughter.

Mike Cross
Member, Soldiers of Oxfordshire Volunteer Club