THE MASSACRE AT LE PARADIS - HELL IN PARADISE - MAY1940.
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Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting of the Campaign for a Memorial to the Heroes of Le Paradis 

Held at Holiday Inn, Norwich Airport on Tuesday, 27th November, 2018
 

There were over 40 supporters present along with five members of the Le Paradis Commemoration Group.

Before the formalities of the evening, members of the commemoration group undertook publicity for the Eastern Daily Press Newspaper. Members of the Royal Norfolk regiment living history group (in uniform) acted as ushers for the evening. Light refreshments were served.

A number of apologies were received.

Welcome

Rob Edwards welcomed those present and introduced a number of guests including Brigadier Max Marriner (President of the Royal Norfolk and Royal Anglian Regimental Association), Air Commodore Kevin Pellatt (Armed Forces Commissioner for Norfolk), Debbi Lane (wife of author Richard Lane), the family of Sergeant Major Jack Whitlam, Kate Millbank (agent for Keith Simpson MP), Andrew Proctor (leader of Norfolk County Council), and Greg Peck (Norfolk County Councillor).

Rob also introduced the four founder members of the Le Paradis Commemoration Group – Dennis O’Callaghan, Nick Smith, John Head and Peter Steward. Rob announced that Nick Conrad of Radio Norfolk has agreed to become honorary president of the campaign group following Rob and Dennis O’Callaghan’s appearance on his morning programme and an extensive comment article written by him (Nick) in the Eastern Daily Press.

The group is looking for an honorary treasurer and honorary secretary. Brigadier Max Mariner suggested approaching Norwich Company Sexty and Co Accountants with a view to seeing if they would provide a treasurer as part of a sponsorship deal. At the end of the evening Rob announced that Brigadier Max Marriner and Mrs Debbi Lane have agreed to be Honorary Patrons.

Importance of the Defence of Le Paradis to the Evacuation of Dunkirk

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 underlined the importance to keep the memories of those who died alive and to provide something tangible to their memory.

The Massacre and Apprehending the Perpetrator

Dennis O’Callaghan gave a presentation on the massacre and its aftermath with 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. Dennis’ emotionally charged presentation was well received.
 
The evolution of the website/research and pilgrimages

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.

The Memorial

Rob Edwards looked at the various designs, features, sites and costings of a permanent memorial to the 97 who died in the massacre.

Design ideas include a statue, a plaque/tablet, a monument featuring the list of names of those that fell, a flagpole and a large stone monument with military insignia. He also spoke of the area around various designs.
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Rob spoke of potential settings for a memorial including inside Norwich Cathedral, in the Cathedral Close and in the Cathedral environs. The location is important in order for the memorial to be seen by as many people as possible.

Rob estimated the potential cost of a memorial including materials, inscriptions, graphics, cost of the site, construction and legacy funding for its upkeep to be between £5,000 and £15,000. Money can be raised in a number of ways including collection boxes, events, sponsorship and grants.

There was a lengthy discussion on the wording of an inscription and it was felt that it should feature the number massacred (97) and the location with reference to the battalions involved but not specific reference to Dunkirk.

Rob was thanked by John Head for all his work on the project to date.

The evening concluded with the Royal British Legion Exhortation and the Kohima Exhortation by Joy Smith, a minute’s silence and an opportunity for those present to chat and network.
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