Pipe Major John Gillies - Pay Book - Canadian Expeditionary Force 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.