10-Feb-2025

The Return of the Giants

The hugely popular ‘Standing with Giants’ installation returns to the British Normandy Memorial ahead of VE Day 80

The giant silhouettes are returning to the meadow fields of the British Normandy Memorial, following last year’s overwhelming response to the ambitious and captivating project by the Standing with Giants charity.

In 2024, nearly a quarter of a million people visited the Memorial, many of whom experienced the power and poignancy of the 1,475 servicemen placed with heads bowed on the hillside overlooking Gold Beach, each representing a life lost on D-Day, 6 June 1944.

In this VE Day 80 anniversary year, the figures will serve as a symbol of the bittersweet emotions faced by so many at the end of the Second World War in Europe – joy that the war had ended alongside the reality of absent loved ones who never came home.

The return of the Giants has been made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from the Normandy Memorial 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 support the costs of the installation process and supporting widespread promotion of the installation in Normandy and throughout France.

Credit: Gareth Fuller / PA Wire

Among the 1,475 figures, this year’s installation will feature approximately 200 new creations including radio operators, medics, and a Scotsman playing the bagpipes.

The project will also include bespoke ‘giants’ to represent the only two women on the Memorial, nurses Sisters Evershed and Field, who died while saving 75 men from a sinking hospital ship; and 50 French resistance fighters, to be placed around the French Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer.

Four artic lorries, with flatbed trailers will cross the Channel, embarking at Portsmouth Harbour after visiting Blenheim Palace (circa 1130-1330) and Fort Nelson (ceremony at 15.30)

The journey via Portsmouth will take place on 28 March and the completed installation will be available to visit from 12 April until mid-September 2025. The Standing with Giants installation team will include volunteers representing the three sponsors.

BAE Systems volunteer involved in installation process last year. Credit: BAE Systems

Lord Richard Dannatt, Chairman of the Trust said:

“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 and remember.”

Nicholas Witchell, Founder of the Trust and Managing Trustee said:

“We are enormously grateful to the main sponsors of this year’s installation, BAE Systems, Teledyne FLIR and KPMG and for the valued support of the Gold Beach Office of Tourist Information. We very much look forward to working again with Dan and Janette Barton from Standing with Giants and their tireless team of volunteers.”

Dan Barton, Founder of Standing with Giants charity said:

“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 to replace several hundred of our original silhouettes. 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 to mark 80 years of Victory in Europe.”

Arne Skjaerpe, Vice President of global business development and sales at Teledyne FLIR said:

“Teledyne FLIR Defense is honoured to help support the Giants’ return to the British Normandy Memorial. We stand proudly with our partners in commemorating the sacrifices that led to Victory in Europe eighty years ago.”

The public can support the Memorial and Standing with Giants charity by sponsoring a plaque for £150 in honour of a loved one. The tribute plaques will be positioned in front of the giants and subsequently remain on the Memorial site for a period of at least 5 years.

More information about the plaques and the British Normandy Memorial (which is free to visit and open year-round) here.

Bespoke Standing with Giants merchandise will also be available at the Memorial shop, located in the new Winston Churchill Centre for Education and Learning, which reopens on 12 April 2025.