SOUTHWICK GIANTS
SHAEF - Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces
Commanders:
General Dwight D Eisenhower - sponsored by Lockheed Martin
General Sir Bernard Law Montgomery - sponsored by Williams Shipping
Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay - sponsored by Blayde Security
Air Chief Marshal Arthur Tedder
Air Chief Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory
Earlier this year, Northshore was contacted by Martin Bazeley, the Chairman of the Southwick Revival annual event. Martin had seen the 'Standing with Giants' installations in the UK and across Europe that commemorates the 1,476 lives lost on 6 June 1944 under British command on D-Day. Being inspired by such moving scenes, Martin wanted to develop his own idea of commemorating the five main SHAEF commanders that were the driving force behind the success of D-Day's Operation Overlord carried out at Southwick House. Every year, Martin and his team work extremely hard to bring the Southwick Revival event to the village and this year he was awarded sponsorship funds to bring his concept to reality. Martin contacted Tina at Northshore and the rest as they say.... is history.
Using old black and white photographs and video footage combined with modern drawing technology - designs were made up of each commander, sometimes having to blend details and body parts from several different images to create the personality and characteristics of each figure. Martin was very keen to ensure that details such as hands on hips and cap on slightly skewed were represented for Eisenhower and of course, Montgomery with his very familiar two badged cap and typical stance of hands behind his back.
The success behind the SHAEF commander figures was knowing which detail to leave in and which to leave out, whilst not compromising the rigidity of the steel figure, which of course had to stand at life-sized heights.
Working side by side with Martin and his team, his enthusiasm was infections and we wanted to do the best possible job we could, and make something that fulfilled everything they hoped for.
The figures were installed outside St Jame's Church in Southwick in good time for the 2026 Revival where they were enjoyed by all visitors to the event. They even got a good dose of rain on the Saturday which started their rusting process off nicely.
After the Revival weekend, the figures were taken down and re-installed outside Southwick House in time for the Royal visit of the Duchess of Gloucester, and here they will stay until they return for the Revival next year.
Do come along to the next Revival - it is a fabulous event, not to be missed and is everything that embodies the Spirit of D-Day.
Read the Press Release which describes the day when miniature stainless figures were gifted to the grandchildren of Eisenhower and Montgomery.
Click on any picture below to see a description
