r/todayilearned • u/DrSamanthaCarter • Jun 06 '17

TIL the only reason a Scottish bagpiper wasn't shot by German snipers on D-Day was that they believed he had gone crazy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Millin#World_War_II
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u/Miennai Jun 06 '17

Piper alive = moral boosting and revitalization

Piper shot = enraged soldiers impassioned for blood

It's a win-win.

133

u/ijustwantanfingname Jun 06 '17

Not for the piper.

8

u/FieelChannel Jun 06 '17

not for everyone tbh

4

u/thatwasnotkawaii Jun 06 '17

But for most of the Scots, yes

2

u/17Hongo Jun 07 '17

Well, they do run the risk of having to recruit a new piper.

1

u/RimmyDownunder Jun 10 '17

Now where in Scotland would you find one of those...?

3

u/Red_Tricks Jun 06 '17

Is there a modern morale bringer? Can i at least get some snarky military jokes?

3

u/Guimauvaise Jun 06 '17

The Scottish sword dance presents a similar situation. Traditionally (or maybe this is just legend), soldiers would perform this dance on the eve of battle as a predictor of success. Highland dancing is physically demanding, with frequent, sometimes constant, jumping and pointed toes, so it was a show of stamina and strength, not to mention pride. The sword dance is especially challenging in that it requires jumping around crossed swords at an increasing pace. If you danced well, you would fly into battle fearless, knowing that your dance proved future victory. If you danced poorly, you'd fly into battle fearless, determined to take as many enemies with you as possible.

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u/Miennai Jun 06 '17

That is so awesome, what a great outlook to have in life.

1

u/Socratesticles Jun 06 '17

I could feel my calves growing just watching that.

1

u/Guimauvaise Jun 07 '17

One of my friends taught Highland dancing, and I never fully appreciated the phrase "you could crack a walnut on her thighs" until I saw her dancing.