Heroes of St Valery honoured
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MORE than 500 pipers across the globe have come together in a stunning tribute to mark the 80th anniversary of a largely forgotten World War II battle.
Around 10,000 soldiers from the Scottish 51st Highland Division were captured at St Valéry-en-Caux as they fought with French forces after the Dunkirk evacuations.
Leading the tribute was Pipe Major Richard Grisdale, Piper to Her Majesty The Queen.
Also taking part in the commemorations was His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, who took the salute from a piper at Birkhall to mark the anniversary this morning.
In a message of support for the commemorations, His Royal Highness, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, said: “On June 12, 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 Valéry-en-Caux on the Normandy coast of France.
“At 10am this morning, on this year’s 80th anniversary, pipers throughout Scotland and further afield were on their doorsteps playing the celebrated march, the Heroes of St Valéry, in honour of the fallen and to remember a battle in which those of the Division displayed the greatest courage and tenacity. We remember all who served and who sacrificed so much.”
The piping performance at Birkhall was echoed all over Scotland and throughout the world, with around 500 pipers taking part in today’s poignant occasion. It is thought the level of participants is a record for the greatest number of pipers playing simultaneously.
Pipers from as far afield as Peru and Kathmandu performed the Heroes of St Valéry, which was composed by Donald MacLean after his capture at St Valéry in June 1940. He spent the next four years as a prisoner of war.
The commemoration events were developed by three leading Scottish Armed Forces charities: Poppyscotland; Legion Scotland; and RCET: Scotland’s Armed Forces Children’s Charity.
The public is being asked to support the St Valéry tribute through a fundraising campaign which will support the work of the three charities. To donate £5, please text PIPER to 70007. Standard network rates may apply but the charities will receive the full donation amount.
The events can be viewed at: www.facebook.com/Poppyscotland; www.facebook.com/LegionScotland; www.facebook.com/RCETScot; www.youtube.com/Poppyscotland
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