1. Daniel Logan Laidlaw VC, nicknamed "The Piper of Loos", was a Scottish soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, for his actions during the Battle of Loos in the First World War.
Daniel Laidlaw served with the Durham Light Infantry in India where he received a certificate for his work during the Bombay plague epidemic of 1898.
Daniel Laidlaw then transferred as a piper to the King's Own Scottish Borderers, and in 1912 he transferred to the reserve.
Daniel Laidlaw re-enlisted on 7 September 1914 and was appointed acting Corporal before leaving to serve in France in February 1915.
Daniel Laidlaw was 40 years old, and a piper in the 7th Battalion, The King's Own Scottish Borderers, 15th Infantry Division, British Army during the Battle of Loos in September 1915 when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
Piper Daniel Laidlaw continued playing his pipes till he was wounded.
Daniel Laidlaw received the VC from King George V at Buckingham Palace in early 1916.
Daniel Laidlaw was demobilised in April 1919 and transferred to the Class Z Reserve later that month.
Daniel Laidlaw died at Shoresdean, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, on 2 June 1950, and was buried in St Cuthbert's churchyard, Norham, Northumberland.
Daniel Laidlaw played the pipes at various wartime concerts, while his portrait appeared in paintings, book illustrations and advertisements.
Daniel Laidlaw appeared as himself in two films about the First World War, The Guns of Loos and Forgotten Men.