1st Canadian Army Massed Pipes and Drums (including Ed Esson and the Seaforths) at Vimy Ridge,1945. [This photo had been identified as 1936 but it is a WW II CMHQ photo]. There was a memorial service there on 9 April, 1945. On 9 April 1945 The Mass Canadian Army Pipe Band, consisting of fifteen Divisional Pipe Bands, performed a memorial service at Vimy Ridge under the leadership of Pipe Major Edmund Esson of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Pipe Major William Gillis of the Cape Breton Highlanders played a lament over his father's grave, Corporal Jack Gillis of the 85th Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders, who was killed on Easter Sunday (8 April) 15 April 1917, during that epic battle. NOTE: Easter Sunday was on 8 April that year and not 15 April 1917. Cpl. J.P. Gillis was killed on 12 April, 1917.