Family's tribute to Piper Bill

THE family of the heroic bagpiper who played for Allied soldiers at the D-Day landings 80 years ago are today launching a 10-day salute to his bravery.

- Giles Sheldrick

Defying a hail of enemy fire, kilted William Millin strode along Sword Beach encouraging his commando comrades in the fight to free Europe.

His inspirational act on June 6, 1944, led to the 21-year-old entering military folklore as Piper Bill, or The Mad Piper.

Ahead of the anniversary of the Second World War invasion, his son John and grandson Jacob Millin will play the bagpipes in their gardens daily from 8am in honour of Bill and his colleagues.