Second World War
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.
– WATCH BELOW NOW –
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.
Striking a coin for his father: The ‘Mad’ Piper of D-Day
John Millin honours his father, Piper Bill Millin, in a poignant tribute by striking a 50p coin for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
Stay tuned for the full exclusive interview coming TUESDAY.
The Spectacular Sir Winston Churchill Silver Kilo with an innovative 8-Layer technique
The release of a new and innovative Silver issue is always a cause for excitement in the numismatic community. And The Prestigious Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo Coin is no different…
Painstakingly struck from Pure Silver to an Antique finish using a cutting edge minting technique, this incredible release is the pinnacle of craftsmanship and, as such, ONLY 150 pieces have been commissioned for worldwide release.
And each piece has been struck using an innovative 8-Layer technique that not only creates a three-dimensional effect but elevates it to a league of its own…
Watch below to see for yourself…
Featuring a personal nod to Britain’s wartime leader
Released to mark 150 years since the birth of Britain’s recognisable wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill, and the design includes a nod to this important anniversary.
The clock face that sits behind a portrait of Churchill is set to 11:30, which was specifically chosen to represent his Date of Birth – 30th November 1874.
Churchill’s impact on the nation has been acknowledged on multiple coins over the years – in fact, he was the first individual other than a monarch to appear on a British coin when The Royal Mint issued the 1965 Churchill Crown. And significantly, this year also marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings – the epitome of Churchill’s wartime success.
But this piece stands out as one of the most impressive and innovative tributes to his pivotal leadership…
Struck EIGHT times
The complex design features an instantly recognisable depiction of Sir Winston Churchill as a senior statesman with his signature cane in hand upon the outset of a clock. And the design was carefully considered with special attention paid to placement and intricacies of each layer.
That’s because a proprietary multi-layered technique was applied to bring the design to life – that means each piece has been struck EIGHT times…
The result is an impressive layered Pure Silver construction with each layer revealing even more details and creating an impressive three-dimensional effect on the coin.
AVAILABLE BY APPLICATION ONLY:
The Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo Coin
This piece is only available to UK collectors from The Westminster Collection.
And due to its quality, scarcity and exclusivity, the Sir Winston Churchill 8-Layer Silver Kilo Coin is only available by application…