THE Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipes and Drums have released a stunning rendition of the tune The Heroes of St Valery.
This unique collaboration features a powerful and evocative narration by Brigadier Sir Melville Jameson KCVO CBE CStJ that describes the battle of St Valery in France in June 1940 and the bravery of the 51st Highland Division.
The single also ends with a bagpipe solo by Captain Stuart Samson MBE, former director of The Army School of Bagpipe Music.
The single – the brainchild of Willie Armstrong of The Red Hot Chilli Pipers – has been released to raise much needed funds for The Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland.
Willie Armstrong explained how the collaboration came about: “I had an idea that we should do something to celebrate the centenary year of The Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland.
“I thought we could release some music and give the money to charity; the most fitting tune was The Heroes of St Valery.”
After speaking with Cameron Barnes of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, he said: “We should involve the most famous pipe band in the world – The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
“Although I could have asked a civilian pipe band, I thought it would be more appropriate to have the very best military pipe band
as the charities we’ll be donating to are there to support military personnel, both serving and retired.”
The Royal Scots Dragoon guards is now led by Pipe Major Ben Duncan, but Sir Melville Jameson, who has previously commanded both The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the 51st Highland Brigade, expressed his support for the project.
“It is a great honour to be part of this very special recording – ‘The Heroes of St Valery’ was composed in a prisoner of war camp by Pipe Major Donald MacLean.
“I find it intensely moving and it reminds me of the motto of those gallant soldiers of The 51st Highland Division ‘Friends are good on the day of battle’.
“All proceeds will go to The Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland in their centenary year – please give it your full support.”
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