Pipe-Major John Gillies MSM - Royal Military Tournament (RMT) - Bayonet Combat, 1903 Coin The Grand Military Tournament and Assault at Arms was held at the former Royal Agricultural Hall, in Islington from 21 to 26 June 1880. The Tournament was effectively a series of competitions contested by the officers and men of the regular and auxiliary units of the British Army. Although crowds didn’t flock to the Tournament in the first year, it was held again in 1881 and subsequent years. More events to please audiences were added, including music from military bands, re-enactments, Musical Rides by the Cavalry and Musical Drives by the Artillery. Crowds began to flock to performances at the Agricultural hall; during the early 1900s the show outgrew its home and moved to the west London venue of Olympia. The Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force also participated. The show was renamed a number of times until it finally became the Royal Tournament. Article on Royal Military Tournament medals attached. Pipe Major John Gilles started his military career in the Scots Guards on 11 June 1892. He served in England and Ireland as well as in the South African War, 1899 - 1902. He left the British Army in 1912 and emigrated to Canada where he joined the 72nd Regiment, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. He enlisted in the 72nd Battalion in World War I and served as the Pipe Major for the duration of the war. He died at a regimental dinner in April, 1944.