United Kingdom
(1922 – 2010)

This is a tribute dedicated to the memory of Bill Millin. William ‘Bill’ Millin, commonly known as Piper Bill (or the Mad Piper), was personal piper to Simon Fraser, 15th [...]

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A memorial dedicated to the memory of Bill Millin
This is a tribute dedicated to the memory of Bill Millin. William 'Bill' Millin, commonly known as Piper Bill (or the Mad Piper), was personal piper to Simon Fraser, 15th Lord Lovat, commander of 1 Special Service Brigade at D-Day.

Bill Millin is best remembered for being one of the few pipers to play during a World War II battle. Pipers had traditionally been used in battle by Scottish and Irish soldiers however the use of bagpipes was restricted to rear areas by the time of the Second World War by the British Army. Lovat, however, ignored these orders and Bill Millin, aged 21, played "Hielan' Laddie" and "The Road to the Isles" as his comrades fell around him on Sword Beach.

This action was portrayed in the 1962 film The Longest Day, where Bill Millin was portrayed by Pipe Major Leslie de Laspee, the official piper to the Queen Mother in 1961.

Bill Millin passed away on 17 August 2010, aged 88 in Devon, England.

This is an online memorial created to honour his amazing bravery and courage in the face of extreme danger. A truly remarkable individual, may he rest in peace.
 
 
 
 
 
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