80th anniversary of D-Day: Russell-Cooke’s role in the creation of the British Normandy Memorial
On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Russell-Cooke’s Senior Partner John Gould reflects on the part the firm played in the creation of the British memorial at Ver sur Mer, overlooking Gold Beach, to commemorate the more than 21,000 members of the armed forced killed during the D-Day invasion.
A team of Russell-Cooke’s French, charity and construction law specialists advised The Normandy Memorial Trust on the project to construct the British memorial in Normandy.
Exactly five years ago, on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in June 2019 King Charles (then Prince of Wales), who is Royal Patron of the Normandy Memorial Trust, attended the commemorative events held at the British Normandy Memorial.
The Normandy Memorial Trust is a charity that was funded with LIBOR fines levied on the banks and public donations. Russell-Cooke’s charity specialists, led by partner Chris Rowse, provided governance and other support to the Trust in the period leading up to the 75th anniversary events in 2019. The firm also provided construction law advice, advising the Trust on the impact of the EU procurement regime, construction law and procurement strategy generally in connection with the memorial project as well as extensive advice on supply and sub-contract arrangements.
The memorial was opened to the public in 2021.
As the surviving veterans gather and mourn their departed comrades on the Normandy beaches this afternoon, we are honoured to have played a role in ensuring the sacrifices of so many will not be forgotten. We played a small but significant part in the foundation and construction of this striking memorial thanks to what we believe is our unique combination of charity, French and construction law expertise
We are proud to have supported this important project and to have seen the inspiring vision realised.
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If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our charity law solicitors by email, by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7510 or complete our enquiry form.
