Want to learn Bagpipes or Drums?
Lessons are available.
Contact Pipe Major Lang
Moss Park Armoury
130 Queen Street East
Tuesday Evenings
Chief Warrant Officer Alexander (Sandy) L. Dewar, MMM,
CD
Chief Warrant Officer Alexander "Sandy" Dewar started learning the bagpipes at age seven from his father, the late Pipe Major Archie Dewar. Archie was in the 48th Highlanders from 1928 to 1965 and Pipe Major from 1952 to 1965. CWO Dewar's family is well known in the 48th Regimental family having had 9 family members serve in the 48th Highlanders to date with continuous service in the Pipes and Drums since 1928.
In November 1959 at the age of twelve, CWO Dewar started playing with the 48th Highlanders. His first band engagement was 13 December 1959. On 2 May 1962, he was sworn into the Regiment, he was 14 years old.
CWO Dewar was promoted to the now abolished rank of Lance Corporal in 1966. In 1971, He was promoted to Corporal in 1971, to Sergeant on 1973, and to Warrant Officer in 1977.
CWO Dewar was appointed acting Pipe Major in August 1985 and promoted to Master Warrant Officer in November of that year. On 1 January 1986, he was officially appointed Pipe Major of the 48th Highlanders. He was promoted CWO on 1 May 1987.
CWO Dewar led the band to many locales around the world including: Holland 1995 and 2000, Italy 2003, and Poland 2006. Within Canada, CWO Dewar has taken the Band to several places including Gander; Summerside, Halifax, Pictou, Quebec City 4 times, Edmonton twice, and Victoria.
The Band travelled to the United States under CWO Dewar numerous times: California, Colorado, Texas, and Virginia twice; South Carolina, Georgia 7 times; Kentucky; New Hampshire 3 and Pennsylvania 3 times; Missouri; and Ohio. His first and last trip with the Band was to the Loon Mountain Highland Games, New Hampshire, 1985 and 2006.
CWO Dewar led the Band into competition winning the Grade 2 North American Championships in 1987 and 1993 and the Championship Supreme in 1995. CWO Dewar has bee an adjudicator for over 35 years and has judged throughout North America.
Sandy is married to Carolynne. They have four children, WO Alexander Iain Dewar, Sgt Colin Dewar, Shelia Dewar, and MCpl James Dewar. All three sons are pipers in the Band. They have three grandchildren.