St Andrew’s Bolton Pipes and Drums perform at Dunkirk veterans reunion

St Andrew’s Bolton Pipes and Drums played at the Annual Veterans’ Cruise last weekend, at the event organised by the Dunkirk Little Ships Association.

One of the boats involved was one of the original little ships that crossed the English Channel in 1940.

Group secretary, Alec Bingham, said: “Last year I watched the film Dunkirk and noticed that Dunkirk Little Ships Association was mentioned in the credits.

“As a group we are interested in things like that so I decided to contact them.”

It resulted in last weekend’s unforgettable experience during which the Bolton band entertained veterans. This included piping the veterans on and off the Little Ships, playing at their sunset lowering of the colours and their early morning church service on the river bank.

Mr Bingham said: “Along with two of the original servicemen rescued from Dunkirk, we sailed aboard Jeff, which was part of the Dunkirk evacuation.”

It is not the first time the band has taken part in military commemorations. In the past it has taken part in services at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium.

St Andrew’s Bolton Pipes and Drums was formed on St Andrew’s day three years ago. It is for experienced drummers and pipers, and concentrates on playing small venues in the community. Last year it benefited from the Big Lottery Fund to the tune of £10,000.

Mr Bingham said: “In 2020 it will be the 80th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo when almost 300,000 servicemen were rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk. The band hope to be part of that.”