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I chanced upon this website when I entered the name Major Dan Bonar into Google. I remember Major Dan Bonar well. He taught me the bagpipes when I was a girl in Malta, aged about 11. He was a brilliant teacher.  He told me that he had become a Major because 'all the others were shot'.  He had a wife called Violet. I remember Violet because she once said to me 'You'll never get anywhere with an accent like that.'  She came from inverness I think, though I'm not sure.  Major Bonar was a little scared of her and used to tell me to play the pipes while he drank some of his 'medicine' (whisky) from his secret cupboard! He hoped that Violet (or 'violent' as I called her to myself!) wouldn't hear him opening the cupboard with me playing! He would not accept money for his teaching, so my mother used to buy him bottles of whisky! He taught me to play slowly until I had mastered the gracenotes and then he said that speed would come.  He gave me the music book which he treasured from his regiment. I still have it in a safe place somewhere.  I remember that he wore full Highland dress in Malta. He taught the scouts there and was a much loved character. When the scouts played the pipes to greet Colonel Gadaffi and Mintoff they played Scotland the Brave. I thought that was hilarious! I don't know anything else to help in your research, though I remember that he did tell me that he came from Greenock. I hope your research has proved fruitful.  If ever you wish to speak to me, I shall be happy to be contacted. Moyra A Borg ...user name MABorg