While we're on the subject of big, hairy balls

On D-day, William Millin landed with Lord Lovat’s commandos on Sword beach. He was the lord’s piper, and was therefore armed with a bagpipe. As he waded in from the landing craft, waist high in the water, he was playing Highland Laddie - on the lord’s request.

Upon reaching the shore, which was under heavy mortar and small arms fire, he commenced to walk up and down the beach, playing The Road to the Isles. Millin later explained that he was counting on his luck, and anyway he couldn’t hear much over the sound of the bagpipe.

It needs to be said that the German troops on Sword - who had a clear view of him - were graceful enough not to shoot at Millin, giving him a sporting chance.