Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band are home after an unforgettable experience in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Day 1
We were busy playing in Carentan, and Sainte-Mère-Église. We were also lucky enough to meet the US Army Golden Knights and the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team whilst there! The crowds were amazing and so welcoming.
Day 2
We had a great day commemorating piper Bill Millin, alongside the Bagpipers of the World United International Association. We also met the wonderful Alex Smith on his adventures, who joined us for a few sets. Alex was on a journey retracing the steps of Bill Millin.
A few of us then went onto Pegasus Bridge, where we were filmed by the local news crew!
Day 3
Hampshire Caledonian were back at Pegasus Bridge, taking part in parades throughout the day.
We then took part in the Normandy Cup competition, placing 2nd, and PM Rich Smith placed 3rd in the Bill Millin solo competition. We also won best drum corps! Congratulations to all the winners and well done to all those who took part.
We finally topped the day off leading the massed band performance at the end of the event.
Our 4th and final day!
Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band started the day with a trip out to Omaha, playing at the American Cemetery, which is always a moving experience.
We then went back to Sword beach for one last play, where we were fortunate enough to bump into John Millin. During the time spent with John Millin, PM Rich Smith was able to play his pipes – which were Bill Millin’s last set of pipes, a 1960 set of Hardie’s.
Before leaving Sword beach, we were honoured to be asked to play a tune whilst the ashes of Mr Stephen Frederick McCarthy were buried on the water’s edge. Mr McCarthy was a veteran who stormed Sword beach during the D-Day landings. John Millin also joined us for this tune, which is particularly special as John’s father, Bill Millin, would have been among those on the beach with Mr McCarthy.
We finished our trip by playing into port when arriving back home in Portsmouth!
