1 Wing Pipe & Drum Band

1957 - Guy Fortier

I was the Bandmaster of the 4 Wing Band in 1957. We were asked to lead a NATO parade in Bodensee. There were Canadian, American, British, French and as well as military personnel from other NATO nations in attendance. In any case, Canada was to lead the parade since all countries were arranged in alphabetical order.

I knew that we would make a splash, and in order to look good, I invited the 1 Wing Pipe & Drum Band to join with us in the parade. The 1 Wing Pipe & Drum Band headed our combined bands.

After it was all over and we were having a beer in a Gasthouse, a German civilian came up to me and said "You know, it's the first time that I heard a Pipe Band, and didn't have to run and hide!"

15635 FS JWG Fortier

RCAF Retired