Memorial Campaign Launched in Norwich
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THE campaign for a permanent memorial to the 97 soldiers who died in the Le Paradis Massacre was officially launched at the Holiday Inn, Norwich Airport, on Tuesday 27th November, 2018.
Over 40 guests attended to hear about steps that are |
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being taken to remember those massacred in Northern France on May 27th, 1940, as they fought to stem the German advance.
Campaign organiser and member of the Le Paradis Commemoration Group, Rob Edwards (pictured above right) outlined the various ideas and locations for a lasting memorial.
"We are on the threshold of getting a memorial in Norfolk thanks to the hard work of a number of people. With the support of people we can make this happen and provide a lasting memorial to the 97 who died in the massacre," Rob said.
He outlined the different kind of memorials that can be considered, ranging from a statue to a plaque/tablet, a flagpole, or a large stone containing military insignia. Rob also suggested possible places for the memorial with the favoured sites being either inside Norwich Cathedral, in the Cathedral Close or in the Cathedral environs.
Rob announced that Radio Norfolk presenter Nick Conrad has agreed to be honorary campaign president and Brigadier Max Marriner and Mrs Debbi Lane have agreed to be honorary campaign patrons. The group is looking for an honorary secretary and treasurer.
The evening also included inputs from Le Paradis Commemoration Group members John Head on the importance of the defence of Le Paradis to the evacuation of Dunkirk, Dennis O'Callaghan on the massacre and apprehension of the perpetrator and Peter Steward on the evolution of the website and ongoing research.
John Head underlined the importance of the rearguard action in Northern France which had enabled well over 300,000 troops to evacuate from Dunkirk and the surrounding areas. He emphasised the bravery and the debt of gratitude that we all owe to the men who fought and died around Le Paradis. He stressed the importance of keeping the memories of those who died alive and providing something tangible to their memory.
Dennis O'Callaghan made particular reference to the life of his father, Private Bill O’Callaghan, one of only two survivors. He spoke of the steps taken after the war to bring the perpetrator of the crime – Fritz Knoechlein – to justice.
Peter Steward spoke about the setting up of the website, the work going on with families and the future research aimed at providing the fullest possible picture not only of the massacre but also the fighting around Le Paradis and the aftermath of the event. He thanked all the individuals and families that have provided documents, photographs and information that is allowing the website to continue to grow with over 1,500 unique visitors weekly.
Below is a gallery of photographs taken at the evening (click on the photos to enlarge them). We also have some video at the top and bottom of the page.
Campaign organiser and member of the Le Paradis Commemoration Group, Rob Edwards (pictured above right) outlined the various ideas and locations for a lasting memorial.
"We are on the threshold of getting a memorial in Norfolk thanks to the hard work of a number of people. With the support of people we can make this happen and provide a lasting memorial to the 97 who died in the massacre," Rob said.
He outlined the different kind of memorials that can be considered, ranging from a statue to a plaque/tablet, a flagpole, or a large stone containing military insignia. Rob also suggested possible places for the memorial with the favoured sites being either inside Norwich Cathedral, in the Cathedral Close or in the Cathedral environs.
Rob announced that Radio Norfolk presenter Nick Conrad has agreed to be honorary campaign president and Brigadier Max Marriner and Mrs Debbi Lane have agreed to be honorary campaign patrons. The group is looking for an honorary secretary and treasurer.
The evening also included inputs from Le Paradis Commemoration Group members John Head on the importance of the defence of Le Paradis to the evacuation of Dunkirk, Dennis O'Callaghan on the massacre and apprehension of the perpetrator and Peter Steward on the evolution of the website and ongoing research.
John Head underlined the importance of the rearguard action in Northern France which had enabled well over 300,000 troops to evacuate from Dunkirk and the surrounding areas. He emphasised the bravery and the debt of gratitude that we all owe to the men who fought and died around Le Paradis. He stressed the importance of keeping the memories of those who died alive and providing something tangible to their memory.
Dennis O'Callaghan made particular reference to the life of his father, Private Bill O’Callaghan, one of only two survivors. He spoke of the steps taken after the war to bring the perpetrator of the crime – Fritz Knoechlein – to justice.
Peter Steward spoke about the setting up of the website, the work going on with families and the future research aimed at providing the fullest possible picture not only of the massacre but also the fighting around Le Paradis and the aftermath of the event. He thanked all the individuals and families that have provided documents, photographs and information that is allowing the website to continue to grow with over 1,500 unique visitors weekly.
Below is a gallery of photographs taken at the evening (click on the photos to enlarge them). We also have some video at the top and bottom of the page.
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Press Cuttings Promoting a Memorial in Norfolk
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