Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Captain John Slatter was a Bandmaster

Thanks to Stan Milne of the Regimental Museum of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, I found out that Captain Slatter (the gentleman in the kilt in last Wednesday's post) had a long and distinguished career in the military. He served with the 48th Highlanders from 1896 through 1946 and was appointed bandmaster in 1916. He was officer-in-charge of training bands and buglers during WWI!

Among his medals are a Member of the British Empire and the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal (for serving 20 yrs).

Next step: Ordering his records from the Library & Archives Canada. Finally, I hope to learn who John Slatter's parents were--the parents of hubby's grandmother. This will be a big breakthrough!

PS This just in!
  • I just found Captain John Slatter in the Canadian Encyclopedia of Music--he was a well-known military band master and his brother, Henry Arthur Slatter, is mentioned as well. 
  • He was instrumental (pun intended) in establishing the Canadian Band Assn.
  • Capt. Slatter toured the 48th Highlanders band through North America and played at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1934.
  • And he and the band toured all over the world...above is the band's photo from the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo, NY in 1901 (Capt. Slatter is in the front row, 2d from right, standing in front of the band.

4 comments:

  1. Wonderful! And music was so important in the military during that time. I can't wait to hear what you find out from the archives!

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  2. Heather, this is really exciting. I just pushed the button to order pdfs of Capt. Slatter's WWI records. You know I'll post as soon as I find out more! Thanks for your encouragement :)

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  3. They are a distinguished group, aren't they?

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  4. Yes, and very talented also. All three of the Slatter brothers were bandleaders! What a rich heritage. Thanks for reading and commenting.

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