This is the fouth and final cache in a small series based around local war hero Daniel Laidlaw VC - The Piper of Loos
The Piper of Loos #1 - GC8D4RE
The Piper of Loos #2 - GC8D9VG
The Piper of Loos #3 - GC8DBWW
Daniel was laid to rest in St Cuthberts Churchyard, Norham in an unmarked grave at his prior request. It is reported that the Piper requested this as he had been unable to afford a headstone for his wife Georgina who had passed away 3 years earlier. For many years only a handful of individuals knew the exact location of the grave. A memorial plaque was instated inside the church in his honour and in 2002 a headstone was finally placed on the grave in a project organised by the King's Own Scottish Borderers and members of the Laidlaw family (including a young Mummy Lent!).
Daniels medal collection was donated to the state by the Laidlaw family, initially to the KOSB museum but regrettably they were unable to provide the security and insurance for the VC. The collection now stands in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.
The actions of the Piper of Loos have never been forgotten and memorial services are regularly held every year at Norham and on special anniversaries in various locations in Northumberland. He has been featured in numerous documentaries and re-enactments, the subject of folk songs, artwork and is still remembered as a local legend.
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Norham is a thriving borders village with an extensive history. The present church was begun in 1165, the same time as Norham castle, designed by the same architect. More information can be found at https://norham.org/village/church/church-history/
Please take a moment to visit this wonderful church which is open through the day and to see Piper Laidlaw's memorial plaque which is inside.
The stated coordinates will take you to the churchyard of Piper Laidlaw's grave. Find the headstone and use the information here to uncover the cache location.
Final coordinates are N 55° 43.ABC W 2° 10.DEF
A - Died ? June
B - Third numerical digit
C - Number of letters in second word
D - First numerical digit
E - Number of letters in Daniel's beloved wife's name
F - Died ? September 1947
The log is a short walk away.
We hope you've enjoyed this short series detailing the story of Mummy Lent's ancestor. He's obviously a hero to us and hopefully you've gained a little insight into the man behind the medal.
*Placed with kind permission of Norham Parish Council