George Montgomery

From Glengarryceltic

In 1910, George Montgomery was in Vancouver on a harvest excursion. While there, an old country Scotsman taught him how to play the pipes. Shortly after his return to Eastern Ontario he joined the 154th battalion at the outbreak of war. George piped his regiment over Vimy Ridge and served in Flanders Fields.

In 1936 George became Pipe Major of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Pipe Band a position he held for thirteen years. Later that same year he traveled to Europe as a member of the Canadian Composite Pipe Band, and played the pipes at the unveiling of the War Memorial at Vimy Ridge in France on August 4th. Before arriving in France, he was a guest at Buckingham Palace for a reception held by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on July 29th. He also played with the Branch 297 Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band and taught the pipes to youngsters for over forth years.

In 1957, he played at the Cornwall Armouries to welcome John Diefenbaker. He was a regular entertainer at dance recitals held by the Dixon School of Dancing, played for dancing competitions at the Glengarry Highland Games, socials, old folks homes, weddings and was always willing to play when invited to do so, his pipes were always in the back of his car.