The Legendary Piper of D-Day: Bill Millin’s Story
Before we delve into the extraordinary legacy of Bill Millin, the “Mad Piper” of D-Day, we have a special invitation for our readers. Join us for an exclusive interview with John Millin, son of the legendary piper, as he shares intimate details of his father’s remarkable actions on that fateful day in Normandy.
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And for those who appreciate the stirring sound of bagpipes, scroll down to see John’s live performance to remember the valour of not only his father but all who served. Don’t miss this captivating tribute to a hero who inspired all the troops around him.
The Unforgettable Sound of Courage
Throughout military history, there are countless stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. Yet, among these tales, the story of Bill Millin stands out for its uniqueness and the sheer audacity of one man’s spirit amidst the chaos of war. Bill Millin, often referred to as the “Mad Piper,” played a pivotal role during World War II, not with a weapon, but with his bagpipes, on the beaches of Normandy.
The Pipes of War
Serving under Lord Lovat, commander of the 1st Special Service Brigade, Millin found himself in a unique position. Despite the British Army’s ban on pipers leading soldiers into combat, Lord Lovat, adhering to Highland tradition, believed in the inspirational power of the bagpipes. And so, on D-Day, Millin landed on Sword Beach, tasked with an incredible mission: to play his pipes amidst the danger and chaos of the invasion.
Braving the Bullets with Bagpipes
As Millin strode up and down Sword Beach, his bagpipes rallied his comrades with tunes such as “Highland Laddie” and “The Road to the Isles,” undeterred by the hail of bullets and explosions around him. Remarkably, he emerged unscathed, with some captured German soldiers later admitting they spared him, believing him to be mad.
A Son’s Tribute: John Millin’s Exclusive Performance
It’s with great privilege that we present this extraordinary tribute. To commemorate this special occasion, John has learned the melodies that his father played and that once echoed over the chaotic shores of Normandy. In a live performance, he honours his father’s bravery and courage.
Thank you, John. We dedicate the Beach Piper coin to the memory of your remarkable father.
There are countless stories about Bill Millin being the only piper on D-Day. However, those stories are not accurate. There was also a Canadian piper who played on that day.
Pipe Major Ross Stone of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders piped his regiment ashore on Juno Beach as part of the second wave of the D-Day landings. The pipe band, all part of the D-Day landings, numbered fourteen. Only four of them made it off the beach.
In the subsequent days, PM Stone played as the North Novies advanced through France and into Holland. He took time to teach soldiers to play the pipes to replenish the band. After the war, he provided testimony as part of the trial of Panzer Division Commander Kurt Meyer, whose troops were responsible for the massacre of 156 Canadian POWs, including several North Nova Scotia Highlanders, at the Abbaye d’Ardenne, near Authie, France.
Upon returning home to Nova Scotia, PM Stone taught his daughter, Barbara, to play the bagpipes. She would go on to play with a number of pipe bands in Nova Scotia, including founding a pipe band associated with the then 33rd Service Battalion (now the 36th Battalion) in Halifax. Her husband Tom and two daughters, Heather and Karen, would also play in the band. Barb Stewart served as president of the Nova Scotia Pipers and Pipe Band Association for eleven years. She would play her father’s pipes until, at the age of 80, she passed them on to her son-in-law and piper, Todd Henwood.
You can read about Barb Stewart and her D-Day connection on the Veterans Affairs website. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/faces-of-freedom/barbara-stewart
Now, at 85, her piping is played on small pipes. Barb and her daughters remain fiercely proud of their family’s legacy and contributions made by PM Stone.
My father was in the Ox and Bucks parachute regiment and went in before the landings to take and hold the bridges.
He told my mother, that there was a piper playing the bag pipes, the german prisoners of war, who my dad was guarding put their fingers to their forehead and twisted them, as if to say he was mad.
I don’t know if this was the same piper, or if there was more.
My Dad landed on Sword beach with the 1st Battalion Black Watch. Must have witnessed this brave action which was also used in the desert after El Alemain
A true hero,thank you sir
A truly great interview with John Millin, telling the story of his Dad.
Thank you Westminstercollection for sharing this.