Pipers signal start of countdown to D-Day commemorations

Chairman of the Newry Branch RBL, Colin Whiteside, with Pipe Major David Hanna MBE, at Newry Cenotaph, Monday 22nd April 2024.

Code-name Operation Overlord, D-Day is to date the largest amphibious invasion the world has seen. Over 150,000 troops were exposed to an almighty hail of bullets and explosions as some 5000 boats and landing craft set them down at their respective zones, ultimately, to bring about the end of the Nazi occupation, liberating France and the north west of the continent, in the assault that would be known as Operation Neptune.

Many soldiers, sailors and airmen left the counties of Northern Ireland to take part in the D-Day landings. Some were part of Operation Neptune with 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles. Others landed around Ranville with 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles as part of 6th Airborne Division.

Marking 80 years since the famous day, the D-Day 80 campaign is holding a series of events.

One such event is a musical tribute at exactly 8am for ten mornings, from 18th April - 27th April. The sound of ‘Highland Laddie’ is one familiar and poignant to those in the piping fraternity and further afield. David Hanna, of Altnaveigh Pipe Band, and Patricia Pedlow, of Ballydonaghy Pipe Band, were selected for the occasion.

Pipe Major David Hanna MBE who lives in Newry says, "As I play my pipes each morning, I will reflect and try and imagine what they must have endured on the beaches of Normandy, and remember them with pride" he explains.

Pipe Major David Hanna started playing the pipes when he was 12 years old and it's been a labour of love ever since. He has become acquainted with the 'Bill Millin' history in recent years and has been captivated by his bravery in the thick of battle on the Normandy beaches and Pegasus Bridge.

David enthused: "I can but imagine the impact of Bill Millins rendition of 'Highland Laddie' at a time when encouragement and inspiration was the order of the day".

"This truly was the story of boys own legend when on June 6, 1944, the young Scottish soldier defied Army rules and played his bagpipes as he led the 15 Commando Brigade ashore on the beaches of Normandy as part of the D-Day landings".