The charity purchased a plaque for Albert to sit within the Giants at the British Normandy Memorial. We were delighted with the result and very proud for it to sit within these wonderful silhouettes and the pretty wildflowers.
The view through the Giants to Gold Beach is a perfect position for this but also a perfect position for the British Normandy Memorial.
The trio of statues of soldiers insitu is perfect to show people of our soldiers in action in 1944. The next photo is a row of WW2 jeeps sitting in position during the 80th anniversary ceremony.
2024 marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, 6th June 1944, and saw the British Normandy Memorial welcome many distinguished visitors, including Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
In this VE Day 80th anniversary year, the silhouette figures will once again serve as a powerful symbol of the bittersweet emotions experienced by so many at the end of the Second World War in Europe — the joy and relief that the war had ended, alongside the heartbreaking reality that many loved ones would never return home.
The return of the giants has been made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of the British Normandy Trust’s three partners: BAE Systems, KPMG and Teledyne FLIR.
In addition, the Gold Beach Tourism Office has partnered with the Normandy Memorial Trust to help support the costs of the installation process, as well as the widespread promotion of the installation throughout Normandy and across France.
Among the 1,475 figures in this year’s installation will be approximately 200 new creations, including radio operators, medics and a Scotsman playing the bagpipes.
The project will also include bespoke “Giants” representing the only two women commemorated on the Memorial — nurses Sisters Evershed and Field, who tragically lost their lives while saving 75 men from a sinking hospital ship.
A further 50 Resistance fighters will be represented and placed around the French Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer.
Four articulated lorries with flatbed trailers will cross the Channel, departing from Portsmouth Harbour on 28th March, following visits to Blenheim Palace and Fort Nelson. The completed installation is expected to be finished by 12th April and will remain in place for visitors until mid-September.
“In the year when we will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, I’m delighted that ‘Standing with Giants’ will be returning to the British Normandy Memorial.
“The 1,475 giant silhouettes of British soldiers, sailors and airmen in the wildflower meadow above Gold Beach were a compelling reminder of the price that was paid for our freedoms. Many thousands were moved by their sight last year. I hope many thousands more will visit this year.”
“Myself and the whole Standing with Giants team have been truly humbled by the international response to our work.
“This time, we’re introducing nine new figures. These additions, including radio operators, medics and a Scotsman playing the bagpipes, bring even more depth to our tribute.
“We’re honoured to once again stand in remembrance of these heroes in Normandy during this momentous year, as we mark 80 years of Victory in Europe.”
The whole service was accompanied by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment and Tom Jones performed “I Won’t Crumble with you if you Fall”.
A wonderful service which all the trustees and myself attended and to have these fantastic memories.
