Lord Lovat & the Mad Piper of Normandy | History Traveler Episode 179
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburg...
Part 5 of the "Normandy 1944" Series
Of the 150,000+ men who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, it's hard to argue that there were any who were more unique than British commandos Lord Lovat and his bagpiper, Bill Millan. In this episode, we're going to Sword Beach to the show where Lord Lovat and Bill Millan landed with the 1st Special Service Brigade on June 6th and fought to link up with the men of the Ox and Bucks at Pegasus Bridge. Much to see and learn here!
CORRECTION: In the video, I say that Lord Lovat's link up with the Ox & Bucks was the first linkup between the seaborne and airborne forces. Although Lovat claimed to be the first, it was actually element of No. 6 Commando arriving on bicycles that were the first to cross Pegasus. Big thanks to Paul Woodadge of @WW2TV for the clarification.
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Your work is so awesome. Keep it up thanks
Excellent video, but can you please be advised of one thing, in case it pertains to any future videos?
The Scottish clan is" Fraser" (not: "Frasier"). As such, it is pronounced simply: "fraise-ur". "Frazier" is a corruption of the clan name Fraser, and if you ever meet a Scotsman who just happens to spell his name "Frazier", then he will pronounce it: "Fraise-i-ur".
The pronunciation "Fraizhyur" is purely a North American affectation.
Merry Christmas from Scotland
Thanks for doing this! Great work! from Canada.
As said Lord LOWAT(FRASER) to major Howard :" Sorry dear, I am late". Yes he was, 2 MINUTES late.
You are a gentleman or you are not !
My dad was at Sword Beach and followed the pipes to the Pegasus Bridge. My husband and I followed dad’s footsteps and had the pleasure and privilege of meeting one of the daughters of the Gondree family. May those gallant men now rest in peace, their battles won and their duty done. God bless.
Lord Lovat, David Stirling, Fitzroy MacLean born and brought up in the Scottish Highlands They are GIANTS from WW2
I had the great honor and privilege of meeting Piper Bill Millen and hearing him play his pipes in the late 90s at Bletchley Park. Definitely one of the highlights of my time in the Air Force!
Nice! That would’ve been something else.
I still get chills remembering it. He had just written a book and had it for sale. I definitely got a signed copy. One of my most cherished possessions.
That’s crazy awesome 👏 glad you had that chance!
@@hacksaw434 I also picked up a signed copy of Bill's book. My brothers in law played with Lord Lovat's children, when they were living in Beauly.
@@Govan-99156 Awesome!
My uncle, Rufus Alden, landed on Sword beach with 41 commando, Royal Marines on 6th June 1944. Very proud of him.
I wrote this some years ago.
The piper on the beachhead
played ‘Road to the Isles’,
and as his comrades died around him
he kept playing all the while.
Any fear we may have felt that day
was banished by the pipes
and we shouted “Go on Jock”
as we rushed to join the fight.
He played ‘Highland Laddie’
whilst he wore his father’s kilt,
and through storm of lead and shot and shell
never did he wilt.
As he played the regimental march
and cocked a snook at death
the foe looked on in wonderment
and the whole world held its breath.
The bullets whistled round him
leaving him unscathed
and many a bold man died that day
piped to an early grave.
But, there never was such bravery
in the face of death and killing
and that then is the legend
of mad piper WILLIAM MILLIN..
My goodness Nigel! You put me there in that place with Lord Lovat and his men. Thank you for sharing! God bless, Rob USNR, 1987-1995
Wonderful, thank you…
Wow that’s a moving poem
My late father was one of Lovat’s lieutenants, Graham Partington, of 45 Royal Marine Commando. Their objective was to link up with the airborne at Pegasus bridge and continue to the German battery at Merville. They carried large inflatable dinghies just in case the bridges had been destroyed.
The two bridges were code named Ham & Jam.
They pushed forwards to Sallenelles en route but didn’t have to reach Merville as that objective had been taken.
I have really enjoyed your interest and presentation. Well done.
My late father was with the South Staffordshire Regiment on D-Day.
He later served at Arnhem with them, and was re-badged after to the 22nd Light Air Defence Regiment Royal Artillery, and was one of the first Allied troops into Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
He was called up in 1939, served until 1969, was decorated with the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar three times, and was seconded to the 1/7th Gurkha Transport Battalion in the Malayan Police Action during his later service.
He loved the army, missed the comradeship, but never really talked about his memories of being in battle, except for a few occasions, and you could see the pain of lost friends and innocence in his eyes as he spoke.
My father was only 21 years old when he went up the beach at Normandy, and was already a five year veteran of the war.
My late father was at the Dieppe Raid, Aug 19 1942, a Yank serving in the Canadian army, a Sgt. in the Essex Scottish. He was captured and spent the remainder of the war as a POW. At Dieppe, Lovat and his commandos took out a battery of guns on the west headland. It was the only operation that went right that day.
“What did you take into battle? An Enfield? Sten? Bren?”
Ney, my pipes.
This guy deserves a Dankula mad lads episode.
Thank you again, this is one of my favorites! My Scottish heritage comes pouring out. Thank you again, so very much ~~~~~
Scots Wae Hae!
My good friend Ernie (now sadly passed away) was a corporal in E Troop 45 Commando who landed on Sword beach with Lord Lovat and fought thru France, Holland and Germany.
This episode made me super proud of my Scottish heritage. That was an amazing story that sounds “too good to be true” almost. Thx JD again.
There's a short but excellent couple of scenes, in the film "the longest day" which shows the airborne landing at pegusus Bridge, Lord Lovat and Bill Millen coming ashore, Lovat requesting a tune and the finally the relief of the airborne troops by Lovat and the Commandos. It's quite well done and worth a watch.
So glad that you enjoyed it. You all have a heritage that is definitely something to be proud of. Feel free to share this video out!
@@csmeinert I think I need to find that movie and watch it. I do like war movies.
@@TheHistoryUnderground oh, I intend on sharing this video. I'm going to share this with Diana Gabaldon. She is the author of the Outlander book series, and she is consultant on the TV show on STARZ.
@@bladesausteel The Longest Day is a classic
Their bravery is inspirational. Much needed in our day.
I hear you m8y, watching 2 weeks later, 26th Feb 2023
As a piper from the Highlands of Scotland myself I must say this has to be my favourite video of yours to date. It also has a personal connection to me as my Great Uncle was the driver of the first allied vehicle to cross the Orne river on D-Day.
Oh wow! That is so cool! 🏴
So sad to see the Gondree Cafe shut. Had a magnificent time there when we took a break for a monumental cup of tea, one of the D day daughters confronted us to who we were, then sat and chatted for hours with us, treating two visiting British soldiers seeking history as family. The family were living history, absolutely awesome people as well!
Agree . I was there in 2015 and had lunch there .Was served by one of the Gondree daughters . It was a must see D Day site and having lunch there just made it so much better . Very sad to see the boarded up windows .
The sign on the front door says it was closed for annual holiday and reopening on the 9th of April, I hope that is true.
Just come back from a D Day tour had lunch there on the 26th July and it was packed with people.
I stopped for a coffee there in September 2023. Had to pay for the Dutch guy who was in front of me because they only take cash. It`s still going strong. (Cycling around the historic sights is a great way to see them).
Was there April this year 24 was thriving fantastic place.
Your one of the best people in what you do, thank you for giving the British abit of credit, we tend to be forgotten about on d day from an American perspective.
These two coming ashore and going inland is always my favorite part of the movie The Longest Day
Agreed. They were some characters.
The Battle of Ouistreham in the movie the Longest Day was actually filmed in Port-en Bessin nearby. The Ouistreham Casino was mocked up and built in the present day car park on the waterfront. This is the famous scene where the French Commandos come under fire from the roof of the Casino and the basement where there was a large caliber gun. Viewers may recall the scene where nuns from a nearby convent came to care for the wounded commandos.
Mine as well
Thank you for helping to keep alive the memories of these brave heroes, their valor should not be forgotten!
One of my favorite stories from the war! Originally born in Scotland (navy brat) I now play the pipes for my fire department. I also wear my great grandfather's 35th infantry pin on my kilt as a reminder of the sacrifices that were made to win the war.
Its so heartwarming, our past unique heros. Also, hard to not tear up as to how weve changed
One of my favorite scenes in The Longest Day is when Lord Lovat tells Bill Millin to play Black Bear. Sean Connery says “ takes an Irishman to play the pipes”.
Ha! Great movie.
@AC... That's two of us who remember that movie quite well... I made the same comment as you, before I came across yours.
Terry Murphy.........Gert Frobe, the guy who played Goldfinger, had a bit part too. He was the guy on the horse delivering coffee to the Germans when the shelling started.
@@surferdude44444 - Curd Jürgens who went on to play the villain Stromberg in the Spy who Loved Me, also played German general Blumenttrit in the Longest Day.
inisipisTV.......good catch, that’s correct. BUT, Roger Moore played Bond in that one not Sean Connery. That movie had a huge Brit, American and German cast. Too bad they couldn’t have found a small role for Roger. Two Bonds and two villains.
I had the privilege of Meeting Bill Millen on a trip to Cobaton combat museum in the late 90’s, he was just wandering around looking at the private collection, humble and yet legendary
My great uncle Maurice Elms was a combat medic that also landed at sword beach on D day
Oh man. Would have loved to have met him.
Interesting film, thanks. My father was with 3 Commando as they crossed Pegasus under fire then made their way to Amfreville on the ridge thst runs parallel to the River and Canal. He was in the line for ten weeks and ended up a casualty in mid-August. After this he was posted to a Prisoner of War camp guarding SS /Hitler Youth prisoners at Tilly sur Seulles. He and his pals became friendly with an old lady in St Pierre, they swapped their stuff for her cider and calvados. Her two granddaughters visited her from Burgundy at the end of the war. Dad fell in love with one and the rest is history. They Married in August 1946, two years exactly after he was taken out of the line.
I had the pleasure of meeting both a member of the 'Ox&Bucks' who landed in the first glider and was under the bridge when Piper Millern crossed. The enemy had not seen him until the piper called their attention to the bridge and they started shooting at him. He asked a German prisoner afterwards why the did not shoot the piper. The reply was "Dumcoff", you should not shoot a madman". I later met Millen in Dawlish, where his pipes are in the museum, he was a gentle man, a pleasure to talk too. He is one of my hero's of W.W.2.
👍🏻
In the film The Longest Day Piper Millen was portrayed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's private piper, Pipe Major Leslie de Laspee. What an honour that must have been for a very brave man. He sadly passed away at 88 in the USA.
I didn’t know that!
I think you aware but the last man of the commando Kieffer, Leon Gautier died not so long ago. On the 3rd of July of this year. I was visiting Normandy with my wife and daughter when we heard the news. It was a very sad moment. I was born in Rennes so he is a Breton like me. I'm from Britanny but i often came to visit Normandy. It's like a pelerinage for me :) Thanks again for your videos. I learn so much each time !
Love the sound of bagpipes! Inspiring story JD. I had a German grandfather and a Scottish grandfather. Proud of my roots. They were wonderful men to grow up around. Thank you for all you do! Blessings !
The bagpipes certainly have a rousing sound to them. Thanks for watching!
I dont get much time to comment but I'm always watching . Just want to say, thanks for doing us brits proud with this production . I'm amazing with each film you bring out to how great your work truly is. I know you hear this all the time but you are truly one of the greatest channels here on RUclips and you grow better and better with every subscriber .Thank for for doing the brits and the scots proud with this one.. I think hat this is why the united kingdom is beautiful thing bring together English and Scottish and welsh heritage , If I dont get chance to make another comment brother. I wish you very Merry Christmas to you and your Family. I also wish you all the best things for your Family and your channel for 2022.. All the very best buddy . Just brilliant work. I wish the guys you speak of we're here to see and be proud of this work.. all of them , truly heroes. I'd be speaking German now if not for these and other brave men like them ..truly the best generation .They gave all and then gave their lives
Thank you. I really do appreciate that. I was kind of nervous tackling some of the British stories simply because I didn't want to fall short. Got some more coming down the line :)
I can’t imagine German with a Scottish accent. It’s a good thing the Allies won.
As a American of Scottish decent, I love the sound of the pipes. Much admiration to our allies, even though I wasn't born yet. Truly remarkable!
I’d just like to add to Shaun’s comments. I am a massive military history fan and bore most people who are unfortunate enough to engage with me on the subject (ask my long suffering family), and if this isn’t too generalist get a bit annoyed sometimes when American based channels often overlook Canadian and British (Scottish, English, welsh and Northern Irish) contributions, particularly to D day.
I’ve listened and now subscribe to the channel and would like to thank you for doing both an excellent job at presenting the subject matter but also giving time to air non-American contributions to the effort. My stepfather was a pathfinder with the 1st Parachute regiment who fought in Scilly and Holland and the stories i have heard (never from him mind) mark that generation out as something very special and we are all grateful that they rose to the challenge when they did. All the best.
Todd was Irish, guess you didn't know what that!
While in the Navy, we made a North Atlantic Cruise and took a tour to Sword Beach and Pegasus Bridge. I brought some Normandy sand home with me and still have it after nearly 40 years. Thanks for bringing back many memories
My pleasure. Glad that it could bring back some good memories. Thanks for watching!
”We are from Scotland so it is not forbidden for us to play the bagpipe, that is an english rule…” fantastic story, great film and fantastic explaination how 3.Div (no 4 Comm) was connected to Ox & Bucks. Thank you very much!
As mentioned previously - Shimi Lovat was a maverick who ignored rules which did not suit him.
For example, he carried non regulation rifles on operations rather than the standard issue Army firearms.
"Up the Action Lads" Howard was cool too, but of all the characters immortalized on D-Day I agree with you, 'Lord Lovat' and his Piper Bill Millen are the most memorable to me.
CANADA 💂
The Piat that halted the German tank advance on the bridge has been described as probably the most significant single shot of WW2.
Definitely did an important work there.
I can’t believe this guy is my 5th cousin. My grandpa is quite proud of him. God bless him and Bill
Having lived close to Bill Millin in Dawlish, Devon and spoken to him many times he said that it was forever waiting to be shot and hoped it would be quick. Yes, he was frightened but playing did calm him. RIP Bill Millin. Inspirational.
Bill Millen is a Canadian by birth ironically, but in the end he was of Scottish heritage any clearly stuck to his roots. The exploits of Lovat and his piper were a nice story to this round of your Normandy stories. So much happened beyond Utah and Omaha that Americans need to learn about. And the days after with the stories of the closing of the "vice" on the Germans at Falsaise...there is so many stories of bravery and courage and suffering from all the Allies in that first month or two after D day
Agreed. I'm trying to integrate more British and Canadian stories this time around to broaden the view of Normandy for Americans. Hopefully people are sharing it out.
@@TheHistoryUnderground this Canadian loves your work.
I am an historian and must say, I have just discovered your videos. Smashing is the Brit word! Bill Millin was mad but there was an even more heroic mad piper at Normandy, Mad Jack Churchill. He always went into battle with his pipes, a longbow and his Clayemore. Look him up but carry on with your superb series
Thank you for making these, man. This way I can live vicariously through you!
Appreciate that! So glad that you’re enjoying the content.
Gosh! How amazing can these men get?!! So proud of them.
Thank you sir for telling this story. One of the thousands of stories between us Allies , between Normandy and Berlin. Being Scottish and . From the Clan Fraser , (my mothers maiden name ) Lord Lovat , one of his clan names. Like all Frasers before were true warriors. Look at the history of the Clan Fraser , and we were probably liberating our own ancestors. Lord Lovat and the Commandos , some say some of them and David Stirling started the Special Air Service. SAS. God bless all our war dead.
Thanks for sharing that! 🏴
Scottish are indeed rough people we love their spirit long live Scotland
I'm also from the Fraser clan relative 😊
Really great to see Lord Lovat covered and of course Sword Beach.
Hi there, love your channel, very interesting.
Way back in the Eighties my father wanted to revisit the area. He was RN so obviously wasn't involved in the land assault.
Anyway, we packed up our motorhome, complete with my two year old daughter, no planning at all and set off.
The whole area around the beach has a strange feeling about it, walking in the footsteps of those men was very moving, we visited Omaha as well which was a sobering experience.
Anyway over at Sword we came across an group of elderly Germans. One of their party had collapsed just off the beach. Between us younger ones we managed to get the gentleman to our motorhome, we made him hot tea and got him comfortable. When the ambulance eventually arrived he was taken away suffering from a mild heart attack.
We all went out separate ways and thought nothing of it.
Using our registration plate, the family managed to find us. The elder man had actually served on that very beach, apparently he was totally overcome and collapsed. They sent us gifts each Christmas for years and often got letter and photos. He never really recovered from his experiences, he was a normal soldier, not some bloodthirsty nazi. He used to have a laugh with my dad, he told him it was the most terrifying ordeal, being shelled by destroyers, what a horrible waste of life and resources.
Oh wow. Can’t imagine the stories that he must have had.
That`s right not all Germans were bloodthirsty Nazis. I met one at Monte Casino in Italy. We invited him to lunch at our hotel. I remember shaking hands with him and telling him i was a Scottish Highlander.He had been 19 years old when he became involved in the battle for Monte Casino. He had lost part of one of his legs there. He struck me as an individual who had been flung into war against his will. All of us on the tour shook hands with him. I will always remember that experiance.
That is a great story although sad. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite Longest Day story is the actor Richard Todd playing Howard and a jr officer brings him news during the battle. In real life the jr officer was Todd. He wore the beret he wore in the battle in the movie.
Wow!
Todd was asked to play himself, but he said he didn't really do anything important and he asked to play Howard.
Richard Todd's webbing he wore on D Day was displayed in the Gonderee cafe when I visited s few years ago!
Richard Todd was a leftenant belonging to 7 Para Who came to Relieve Major John Howard leader of the Glider assault At Pegasus Bridge . They were All part of the British 6th Airborne . , ( In a way John Howard was the Boss , so it was fitting that Richard Tod played him in the film ) I've been to Pegasus Bridge several times & seen Todd's Gear on Show at Madame Gondree Cafe There
It would make it's own video of where all the famous actors in The Longest Day were and what they did on D Day. Richard Todd wasn't the only actor who was at Normandy.
"Hold until relieved . . . .Hold until relieved."
British actor Richard Todd played Maj. John Howard in The Longest Day. In reality, he dropped into Normandy on D-Day and was actually at Pegasus Bridge that day. In the movie another actor had to play Richard Todd talking to Richard Todd acting as Maj. Howard!
I should have mentioned that. Thanks for bringing that up!
A story you might find amusing, I was with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, We were having an exercise with the 9th Infantry in WA. Our Regiment was doing a beach landing with landing crafts, we decided to go up the beach with a piper. We got halfway up the beach and we heard someone from the US line “So are you going shoot at them or what?”
Great video again! This video definetly had the best intro yet! You just gotta love the bagpipes
Thanks! Love this story.
@@TheHistoryUnderground I didn't know about this story, so I'm really thankful for your content. I love these smaller stories being put in a big picture.
I was waiting for this one. What a story. Mad piper bill Millen. Actually Normandy went a metre lower under the sealevel because it had to uphold the massive balls of bill Millen. My God what a hero!!! Imagine your a German soldier and you hear the sound of the bagpipes coming your direction……. Better start running
My father landed at Sword beach with the Royal Ulster Rifles. He had already been at Dunkirk so used to water and beaches. The RUR was the only regiment to land both Airborne and Seaborne troops on D Day. He died in 1969 of cancer when I was a boy so didn’t get to hear much of his exploits. Like many soldiers he never spoke of the war and I only found out he was at D Day because of a picture published on F/B 4 years ago. He went on to cross the Rhine as well by landing craft.
This place is very special to me because...early in the morning...my Grandfather arrived there...
Thank You for this video...
Oh wow! So glad that I could show where he fought. Thanks for sharing that.
It is my privilege to know a man who was there. His name is James Clark and he lives on the Isle of Skye Scotland. He served with the Lovat Scouts (commandos). I showed him a picture of the statue of Lord Lovat, his leader. James said it was very like him indeed. I can almost see him standing there with his cromag(shepherds crook) he told me. He did`nt know this had been erected to Lord Lovat.But he was very pleased to see it was Mr Clark.
What a great video. I knew the story of the piper but this explains a lot more.
In WWII, my dad was in the RAF, as ground crew, in the Battle of Britain, and in India, later. My Uncle Ted was one of the first allied troops into Belsen; he was in the SAS. My Uncle Dave was in the Chindits, in Burma. My Uncle Arthur was in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. My mother worked in the armory in Bridgend, South Wales. Thank goodness for those people of that generation, from all the allied countries. Never forget.
Your Uncle Dave probably served uner General Orde Wingate. Another legend.
As a drummer in a pipe band here in the States, and somebody who loves WWII history, I’m tickled that you did a video on this. Lord Lovats lament is a nice sounding tune as well.
Thank you for telling this story in a lovely and modest style. Bravo!
I took my son (Irish guards) to Normandy for the June 6 th celebrations and we spent time at Pegasus bridge.
That particular year Piper Bill was making a return visit. By this time he was in a wheelchair and an assistant pushed him across the bridge. May I say with quite a following. Also in the museum there were a couple of veterans of the Ox and Bucks glider boys .Looking fit and full of life and more than happy to have a word.
A day to remember.
Me and my Son (from NC, USA) landed at CDG early in the morning on October 26, 2021 got straight into our rental car and drove straight to Pegasus Bridge. That was our first stop on our D Day tour. We were in Normandy four days and it was so awesome to go to all these places.
I'd say that you picked a good place to start. No other place like it.
I really enjoyed this vlog. However, lord lovat and bill milin weren’t in the vanguard. The first commandos to reach the bridge were 3 troop no 3 commando. They got there about 30 minutes before the rest. If you look at the commandos disembarking, there are several with bikes. They had bikes because they were the ones designated to reach the bridge first. I know that as a fact, because my father Ted Pritchard was in 3 troop.
Thanks. Right after I posted this video, Paul Woodadge from WW2TV made me aware that it was actually 3 Troop No. 6 Commando who arrived just ahead of Lovat on bikes. I made a note of it in the description as soon as he told me. I think that Neil Barber is one of the few who makes note of this in his book. Nearly everyone else (including Simon Frasier himself) said that Lord Lovat was the first to make the link up. Always learning something new. Pretty amazing that your dad was there. I'll bet he had some stories.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Ok, then when Maj. Howard hears in his head "Hold Until Relieved" and he mentions --to himself?-- that 7th Para won't get here for hours and Lovat and his commandos... It could be midday before they get here; who was he expecting would relieve him and his troops? One would expect that the leader of such a critical operation as obtaining control of the Orne river bridges would be told that he could expect some commandos riding bikes to arrive before 7th Para (presumably, one of the British units dropped by parachute?) which he was expecting to be the first reinforcements to arrive. Given the actions taken by Otto Skorzeny and how successful (some have argued that his exploits have been exaggerated and the impact of his successes, overstated, I have no agenda here, nevertheless, the law of land warfare which is (AFAIK) jus gentium, punishes very harshly the use of opponents' uniforms by combatants or intelligence operatives and thus, it would take a very courageous individual indeed to even follow a leader on such a mission) they would appear to have been, I would have fired upon anyone that I was not told to expect. Although correct in terms of military instruction, too much has been made of HALT! WHO GOES THERE? followed by ADVANCE TO BE RECOGNIZED, to me, it has reached the same level as STOP OR I'LL SHOOT! in terms of unnecessary risk --UNLESS-- one is expecting the arrival of a unit. I have to wonder why a film director who chose to show a Frenchman on a bicycle with a bottle of Dom Perignon would chose to ignore something at least as dramatic as the glider assault and do so at a time when almost every Veteran of the landings was alive and in good health.
I am almost certain that at this point in the war, Skorzeny's actions were in the future; however, the idea cannot have been entirely original given the law of land warfare codified the penalty for the idea before the war. I would say that it is something that must have been discussed at the least and thus, the cyclists (Richard Todd WAS physically present at the event, shouldn't he had said something? It is understandable that all members of the 1st Special Service Brigade would believe that they were the first to arrive, however, why would Richard Todd not say anything, if not to the film director, to Cornelius Ryan during the interviews for his book?) would have, unless the mission brief SPECIFICALLY mentioned them, been fired upon as soon as they were first detected approaching what to the glider assault troops would have been their rear. Such an action would have all the appearance of an envelopment maneuver by the enemy.
ps. It was not my intent to sound accusatory or to appear to be impugning the veracity of anyone's accounts of the events and, if I had the time, I would rewrite my questions and comments in their entirety. I am hoping that if necessary, some forbearance will be granted.
Plus two combat engineer companies beat the commandos also to the bridge.
My first wife's Grandmother (Diane Fraser) was a Fraser who emigrated with her brothers (Colin and Ian Fraser) to the United States just prior to WWII. She was a fantastic woman.
Nice!
JD.... Again a fantastic history lesson while I drink my coffee. I can feel myself walking with you and hearing the bagpipes as well. Great vlog.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching.
Great Story. There are so many stories that have been forgotten as the veterans of these events fade from view. Thanks for capturing some of them. You are doing amazing work, keep it up.
Once again the way you tell the story, use the music, and bring history to life has made this channel my favorite!
Thanks! That really does mean a lot.
Strange Fact...the bagpipes are the Only musical instrument ever to be declared a weapon of war...not Drums not Bugals...it happened in the Jacobite uprising as a piper played the men into battle....he was hanged for this, and its still on the law books Today....although , of course never used.
I actually used to play drums to Bill Millin,s pipes at events and such when Bill retired to Devon eventually.
We always had a great welcome ( well Bill was the star obviously) whenever we piped up.
I also managed to meet John Howard at Pegasus bridge once and was somewhat disappointed to find out that Howard rather objected to Bill,s fame and felt it somewhat distracted from his units achievements. I felt then as I do now that there was enough bravery and respect to go around but I guess John Howard was entitled to his views .
Who doesn't love the sound o' the pipes!!!!!
Some rough waves there. Can’t imagine landing in those conditions.
It was exceptionally rough on the day that I was filming this.
My great uncle Major 'Pat' Gardiner, Royal Scots Fusiliers, died leading his men after getting off this beach. He is buried in Ranville War Cemetary France. His memorial honour is in the Scottish National War Memorial. Proud of him, to say the least.
There is a great depiction of the bag pipes played by Bill Millen and Lord Piper in "The Longest Day". The constant reminder of "Hold till Relieved" running through the Major's head. There is also a great scene when Lord Piper was pushing equipment up the beach and he slammed his cane on a small tracked vehicle and got it to start.
I appreciate you referenced "The Longest Day", it had some of the greatest actors in its time. Dont get me wrong, I loved the "Band of Brothers", but that series has overshadowed some great movies, older that they may be, but were some of the best to depict history for what it was, unlike the ones filmed today.
Hard to say which is my favorite episode but I love this one
Sunday has long been my favorite day but you JD, just make it a little better. Thank you for the great family friendly content. Keep it up, safe travels.
Thanks! Appreciate that.
Well I happen to be an Englishman who finds the pipes most inspiring. Both my father (Non Scottish) & myself have/ had many recordings at home & I remember that when I first entered Blandford Camp in a convoy, to begin my stint of National Service back in 1960, the sound of bagpipes playing came across from one of the areas we passed, & I suddenly felt quite at home. Now be fair, in that scene where Lovat's piper strikes up 'Black Bear', would you not march into hell ?
There is certainly something rousing about the bagpipes. I wish that there would've been a cameraman there to capture that whole scene.
I always wanted to go to Normandy. This is the closest I'll ever get. Thank you.
We've got a lot more on the way. So glad that you are enjoying it :)
One of my favorite videos y’all have done. I watch it every so often since it’s first posting two years ago.
That was a nice and gentle tribute to what was done by so many with the remarkable few. Thank you
🙏🏼
Indeed
That’s awesome that your taking your son with you on these trips! Hope he’s in Saipan with you right now!
Went solo on the Saipan trip.
Thank you!
👊🏻
Another great episode - went to Normandy a few years ago and to just sit there and listen to the sea coming in was amazing. So peaceful now.
Thank you. It's quite the place.
It’s all been said in other comments but I wanted to do more than give a thumbs up. I really appreciate you giving a balanced approach to every conflict. It’s not making glory out of war but, rather, showing respect to those of all nationalities who made such huge sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, in all wars.
My family has about 140 years of service in the Royal Marines. Starting with my great grandfather around 1880 (serving on all- sail ships; then sail with steam ships and finally, all-steam ships). My grandfather enlisted on the Corps for WW1 but was transferred to the then newly-formed Machine Gun Corps. My father also enlisted onto the Corps and landed on Gold beach on DDay. I never knew my great grandfather: I spent a lot of time with my grandfather but he came from a generation where “chatting” or talking to children really wasn’t the norm. So, apart from one brief conversation, I don’t know who he really was or why he was who he was. I didn’t have a good relationship with my father until the last year of his life and, so again, as interested in the Corps as I was as a young boy, he spoke not a word. Just really examples of that type of stoic, Victorian, fussy-free kind of living that I’m sure many can relate to.
Now, one of our sons is a RM Commando. He passed what surely must be the equal of any training for any regular or special forces in the world. He passed and was awarded the Commando medal; that is for a Marine who showed through training the true Commando spirit of resilience, bravery and cheerfulness in adversity. There is one generation who failed the family. Me. I hang my head in shame.
Your son is a RM Commando. Hold your head up with great pride, sir.
I love your work. As a vet you make me proud!
Thank you very much! That means a lot.
Love your video tours and commentary, particularly the great series on Normandy. I have visited these battlefields a number of times in the past 55 years of my life, and while being a lifelong student of Military History and these Normandy Battles in particular, your tour commentaries always shed new light on once-thought familiar territory. You do great service to all the Players in this History, keeping their stories and their exploits alive forever, for future generations to immerse themselves in graphically. A huge Thank You.
When I had my son with me in Bayeaux and Normandy on the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, when there were still many veterans on both sides of the battle alive, and wandering the beaches and battlefields, I was struck by a number of British and Canadian Veterans who were there, in the beachside villages where they came ashore so many years before. We met three who were returning for the first time since WW II. The respect and outward expressions of appreciation they received from the French Citizens and also Visiting Civilians from the Allied Forces brought these aging Warriors to tears - grateful and humbling tears - in images that are as fresh and powerful today as they were back in 2004.
Keep up the great work. You are delivering a priceless service in telling these stories.
One of my favorite war stories (American, Scots-Irish descent, Clan Douglas). Gotta love those pipers; in the second battle of El Alamein the lads were led into battle by their Piper, but Billy’s story is unique in that he did leap into the chilly channel in full kilt. I imagine it took him less time to dry out but that initial shock must’ve been really - memorable. A number of the Highland regiments and some of the Lowland regiments had theirs piping for them, though usually they were resigned to the rear and weren’t permitted to be up front. There were some 10,000 pipers killed in WWII.
~~~~~ Scots Wha Hae ~~~~~
What an amazing story. I continue to learn so much new information from your great videos. Thanks again for your love of history and the desire to share it with us. God bless you and your family.
Thanks! I appreciate that!
Love this story!! Never knew anything about these guys. Love the bagpipes and could only imagine how stoic that sound would've been back the! Thank you brother!!
There’s a photo of them going into the channel, with Bill in it just having jumped in and wading towards the shore. I saved it in my photos, and I believe it’s on Bill Millin’s wiki page.
I just watched the Longest Day again and enjoyed it a lot more. I now have a better understanding thanks to JD’s videos. Thank you.😊👍
I learn something every time I watch your videos. Stay safe JD!
Glad to hear it. Thanks!!
Thank you for keeping these memories alive! 🇬🇧👍
Good morning JD, another great video!
Thanks!!!
I went to Normamdy in 2015, and what i saw there was truly remarkable and certainly one of the best trips oid ever done...upto 2yrs ago (visiting Belgium) and the thing that struck me about that Cafe (next pegasus bridge) once you walked into the cafe you were told, NOT to touch ANYTHING that is in that cafe
Wish that the cafe would have been open when I was there. Perhaps next time.
I see these scenes in movies! Love seeing the real deal! Thank you!
You may be interested to know that Piper Bill Millin lived in Dawlish, South Devon from the late 1960's until his death on 17th August 2010. That's where I come from. I had the privilege of hearing him play his pipes in the RAFA club in Dawlish on Burns night (25th January) for several years. He was of course dressed in his Kilt. Brilliant to see and hear. He also wrote a book, not sure of it's name. Bill Millin presented his pipes to Dawlish Museum prior to the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in 2004, along with his kilt, bonnet and dirk.
Remember John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming Churchill too. He was the officer, who went with a Sword and a Longbow into combat on that 06.06.44
I'm always quick to click on your new videos JD, but seeing the mythical "Mad Piper of Normandy" I nearly obliterated my mouse button
😅
I live in a small village not far from Stirling and had the great fortune to have a piper instructor and he would have them practice in the morning so I would wake up to the pipes. He would then take students till 8 at night but if it was a beautiful night or him and his mates had to much whisky they would play great tunes into the night and the whole street would join in singing or pull a instrument. I really miss that man there was no politics with him. He was always in demand for lessons so I never had any from him but I am going to learn I miss the drone 😊
My father served in F Troop. 4 Commando.
Kieffer's French Marines were attached to 4 Commando. Their mission on landing was to take The Casino at Ouistreham ( a forward observation base for sighting German Artillery) whilst the rest of 4 took and secured the town of Ouistreham and what were believed to be heavy gun positions ( the guns had been removed a few days prior to the landing but was still heavily populated with German troops).
No3 & No6 Commando with the Brigades HQ Troop with some elements of No 10 Commando moved to the bridges to relieve the Air Landing Brigades. No4 Commando followed up later in the afternoon after securing Ouistreham and took up perimeter positions next to 3 Commando. German reaction and subsequent return of fire at this position and time on D.Day was beginning to get very heavy but The Commando Brigade with the Paras and Air Landing Brigades held firm and eventually pushed the Germans out of their entrenched position. The French Marines under Kieffer followed up after securing and neutralising The Casino. ( Actually turning it into a "allied" observation post directing The Royal Navy's big guns against German positions ( ironic).
My father was badly smashed up on The Walcheren Island Operation some months later. Eventually medically discharged with 40% disability at 22 years old.
I couldn't be prouder of anyone than I am of my father and his service in WW2.
That generation were a bit special in more ways than one. That was " up close and personal" type warfare and none of those guys ever flinched about it. They were British Commandos. Special Service. "The Originals".
And they gave us the world and the freedom we enjoy now.
Simon Christopher Joseph Fraser, 15th Lord Lovat, 4th Baron Lovat, DSO, MC, TD, JP, DL , The gentleman was the 15th Lord Lovat, 4th Baron of Lovat both hereditary titles. Just as his son, Simon Christopher Joseph Fraser, 16th Lord Lovat and 5th Baron Lovat
Thanks for the extra info!
Clear, precise and well presented
Very cool historical story that I didn’t know about. Thank you. I learn so much from your videos.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Allie Countries have their amazing and heroic men of WWII, but honestly I wouldn’t know how to even start looking into it. Thank you so much for taking us along to these amazing, historical and learning experiences with your series!! THANK YOU!! 🥰
Had the honour of being involved in the making of the statue of lord Lovat that is near the beach……great men
Oh wow! That is great!
I love how these two were portrayed in The Longest Day.
Hieland Laddie and The Road To The Isles are two of the most stirring airs ever played on a bagpipe.
The songs inspire powerful self-identification with a group (Scots), courage, bravery, camaraderie, and dare I say--- homicidal mania.
Under the circumstances, they were the best choices for accompaniment.