Pipers mark anniversay in poignant fashion

The Queen’s piper led commemorations involving more than 500 players in a tribute to those killed or captured at St Valery 80 years ago.

The Second World War battle led to 10,000 mainly Scottish soldiers from the 51st Highland Division being captured at St Valery in France on June 12 1940.

They continued the fight on the Continent in support of the French after the Dunkirk evacuations had been completed, and a flotilla of ships sent to rescue the troops was unable to reach them due to fog and German artillery.

Pipers from across the world took to their doorsteps at 10am yesterday to perform Heroes Of St Valery, composed by Donald MacLean, who was captured at St Valery and spent four years as a prisoner of war.

Pipe major Richard Grisdale, piper to the Queen, played the tribute at Windsor Castle, while Prince Charles took the salute from a piper at his Scottish home of Birkhall.

Charles said: “On 12th June 1940, after a gallant stand, the 51st Highland Division with supporting arms and services, including elements from English regiments, was forced to surrender to the German army at St Valery-en-Caux on the Normandy coast of France.”

He added: “We remember all who served and who sacrificed so much.”

Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland and Royal Caledonian Education Trust: Scotland’s Armed Forces Children’s Charity (RCET) – joined forces to organise the tribute.

It is thought the level of participants was a record for the greatest number of pipers playing simultaneously, with pipers from as far afield as Peru and Kathmandu taking part.

Piper Louise Marshall led a procession from the French consulate to Edinburgh City Chambers where wreaths were laid at the Stone of Remembrance by consulgeneral Laurence Pais and Lord Provost Frank Ross.

The events also included a tribute concert broadcast online at 9pm, featuring performances from Runrig, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and many others who have recorded tracks especially.

It can be watched on the charities’ Facebook pages, or the Poppyscotland YouTube channel.

Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin, president of Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland and a vicepresident of RCET, said: “St Valery represents a hugely significant moment in our nation’s history and it is quite right that the bravery and fortitude of the great 51st Highland Division should be marked in this moving way.”

Members of the public are asked to support the St Valery tribute through a fundraising campaign which will support the work of the three charities.