Historic Windermere vessel hosts D-Day anniversary tribute

Bagpipe tribute on Windermere commemorates 80th anniversary of D-Day

A poignant tribute has taken place onboard one of Windermere’s historic cruise vessels as Cumbria commemorates the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

At 8am this morning, Wednesday, June 5, the day before D-Day’s 80th anniversary, a lone piper played on the deck of Windermere Lake Cruises’ traditional “steamer” MV Teal.

It was to honour the memory of Bill Millin – the piper who famously strode along Sword Beach on D-Day in 1944 playing tunes to bolster the moral of Allied troops as they landed and to confound German forces.

The bagpipe tribute was organised by Cumbria Freemasons in conjunction with the Royal Pageant Master of Buckingham Palace and was the penultimate of 10 performances in Cumbria.

The D-Day landings saw Allied Forces mount a large-scale invasion of Nazi-occupied France which ultimately tipped the course of the Second World War in the Allies’ favour.

Bill Bewley, Chairman of Winander Leisure, which operates Windermere Lake Cruises and its sister attraction the Lakeland Motor Museum, says: “This was a very special, poignant event and a very important one too.”

Mr Bewley, who is also head of Cumbria Freemasons, adds: “D-Day was a defining moment in our history and its only right we commemorate it and remember all those who took part. Windermere Lake Cruises has been honoured to be involved.”

Piper Richard Cowie, a member of Cumbria Freemasons, performed the "haunting" song Highland Laddie and will complete his run of 10 performances tomorrow, Thursday, June 6, D-Day. The tribute is part of the nationwide programme of displays in remembrance of D-Day which started 80 days in advance of D-Day.

Bill Millin was the personal piper to Simon Fraser, 15th Lord Lovat, and commander of the 1st Special Service Brigade. Millin boldly contravened the British military’s prohibition on pipers at the front and in his Cameron tartan kilt strode along Sword Beach, serenading the air. He emerged from the day without harm and German sharpshooters later confessed their reluctance to target him, suspecting insanity.

Millin’s valour and the melodies of his pipes amid the tumult of combat have enshrined him as a timeless emblem of bravery and resistance.

The final bagpipe performance takes place at 8am on June 6 at Kendal Rugby Club. Later that day, at 5.30pm, a special event also takes place at the club to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. It will feature a commemorative parade, alongside military vehicles, the Burneside Brass band, and a period singer. All proceeds will benefit Armed Forces charities.