Sheet Music for Turnbull’s March by Donald Varella

Notes: Donald Varella was a native of New Zealand.  He was best known as the compiler and publisher of the four volumes of the “United States Bicentennial Collection of Bagpipe Music.”  He passed away in Detroit, Michigan on October 4, 2001.

Sheet music by Pipe Major Charles Turnbull

Notes:  The battle of Primosole Bridge took place in Sicily on 17th July 1943. It was the first major action in which the 1st Battalion The London Scottish (The Gordon Highlanders) took part in the Second World War.  P/M Turnbull was playing a tune he had composed when one of the Cockney Jocks asked what it was.  On being told it had no name, he shouted “Call it Primosole Bridge!” Sadly the Jock was killed in action a few days later.

Sheet music by Pipe Major Charles Turnbull

Notes:  This tune was composed at Bordon in 1925. Maj. Gen. Sir James Burnett of Leys was commissioned into the Regiment in 1899, served in the Boer War and was a gallant Commanding Officer to the 1st Battalion at Arras in 1917. He commanded the 2nd Battalion from 1922-1925 and was to become Colonel of the Regiment form 1939-1947. A railway enthusiast, countryman and horticulturist, who owned Crathes Castle on Deeside, he was also a good drummer and took a great interest in the Drums and Pipes.

Charles Turnbull was a favorite pupil of GS McLennan.  In the years after the First World War P.M. Turnbull used to take McLennan’s sons, George and John, walking 'miles' in the area about the beautiful Brig O'Balgownie which is over the River Don beyond Old Aberdeen. John who had inherited his father's piping gift sadly was killed in France in 1940. The tune,  The Auld Brig’ O’Balgowie was named in memory of those happy walks many years ago.

One of the first membership certificates issued for membership in the Turnbull Clan Association by John Turnbull to Dr. Byron Turnbull of California.

Date: December 12, 1977

Location: California

Note: Dr. Byron Turnbull worked closely with USA TCA founder Dottie Turnbull Berk, in establishing the USA branch and coordinating efforts through John Turnbull of Scotland.  He and John became good friends through this endeavor.