Pipe Major WO1 James (Jamie) Whitecross MBE He then
migrated to Australia settling in Perth where he served in the Army Reserve
as a Wo2 Pipe Major of the 16th Bn RWAR. Recruited into the Regular Army
he recieved a posting as the piping instructor to the Pacific Islands Regiment
in Papua New Guinea. In 1969 when 7RAR decided to raise a Pipes and Drums,
Jamie was posted as the Pipe Major, he remained in this position untill his
retirement in 1983. A colourful character and keen piper, Jamie was well known in
the Regiment and his efforts in building the unit's Pipes and Drums won't be forgotten.
Jamie succumbed to cancer and was cremated with his beloved pipes, a Piper and
a Bugler from the Battalion played the traditional farewell to a fellow soldier. In 1987 he was posted to 8/9 RAR
and in 1991 joined 5/7 RAR for the first time as the Pipe Sergeant. 1994
saw him posted to 4/3 RNSWR in Goulburn and then back to 5/7 RAR in 1997
as the Pipe Major. Steve's skill as a piper and his efforts within the Pipes
and Drums Community earned him a position as one of the most senior and respected
pipers in the Army. A serious heart problem resulted in his untimely death at the age of
35. Steve was cremated in his Gordon kilt with both 3 RAR and 5/7 RAR Pipes
and Drums providing his Musical Escort.
Jamie (pictured centre) was born into a poor farming family of the Lammermuir Hills district
a short distance south of Edinburgh, Scotland on the 28th July 1928. Jamie served with the Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders in Palistine and Malaya, acheiving the rank of Sergeant.
Pipe Major WO2 Steven (Steve) Ramsden
Born in England, Steve's parents moved to Australia when he was a child.
In July 1980 he enlisted into the Army and was posted to 3 RAR at Woodside
where he joined the unit's Pipes and Drums.
