For award-winning, internationally-acclaimed author Rosemary Sutcliff (1920-92). By Anthony Lawton: godson, cousin & literary executor. Rosemary Sutcliff wrote historical fiction, children's literature and books, films, TV & radio, including The Eagle of the Ninth, Sword at Sunset, Song for a Dark Queen, The Mark of the Horse Lord, The Silver Branch, The Lantern Bearers, Dawn Wind, Blue Remembered Hills.
On Desert Island Discs in 1983 Rosemary Sutcliff’s fifth choice was a military lament, and bagpipes music. The bagpipes were her favourite instrument. She chose a version of “The Flowers of the Forest” played by the pipes & drums of the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards, perhaps reflecting also her love of all things military. This is the traditional lament for the fallen (people killed) in forces of the British Commonwealth.
I can’t find the book, of course, but I am certain that it is mentioned ‘with fife and drum’.
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I’ll look up the reference tomorrow, Anthony, if I can find the book :) But I remember a Scottish doctor with the Parliamentary army talking about it.
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A tune mentioned in Rider of the White Horse, I think!
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You are much better informed than I am! It is a long long time since I read Rider of the White Horse. Thank you for the comment.
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