Honouring the Heroes of Normandy
Today, 6th June 2025, marks the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings and the beginning of the Battle of Normandy – one of the most significant and courageous military operations of the Second World War. On this day in 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, storming the beaches of Nazi-occupied France in a bold attempt to liberate Europe. It was the largest seaborne invasion in history and the beginning of the end of World War II.
Thousands of lives were lost on the beaches of Normandy – British, American, Canadian and other Allied troops – all sacrificing their today for our tomorrow. The courage, resilience, and brotherhood forged in those desperate hours remain a beacon of hope and remembrance for generations.
A Statue of Reflection: ‘Tommy’ in Seaham
As we remember the fallen of Normandy, the town of Seaham offers a powerful symbol of reflection and respect – the iconic ‘Tommy’ statue by Ray Lonsdale. Officially titled 1101 or Eleven-O-One, the statue represents the minute peace was declared at 11am on 11 November 1918. However, to the people of Seaham and visitors alike, he is simply known as Tommy.
Situated by the seafront on Terrace Green, near the town’s war memorial, the 9-foot-5 corten steel soldier sits in quiet contemplation. With downcast eyes and his hands resting solemnly on his rifle, Tommy’s expression captures the grief, fatigue, and sacrifice borne by those who served – not just in the First World War, but in every conflict since.
From Temporary to Timeless
Tommy arrived in Seaham in May 2014 as a temporary exhibit, but the heartfelt reaction from the public sparked a movement. Local residents came together to raise £102,000, securing Tommy a permanent place in the town. On 4 August 2014 – the centenary of the First World War’s outbreak – the statue was officially purchased.
In 2015, Tommy was given a paved platform home, beneath which a time capsule was buried. The capsule contains meaningful items including letters, children’s artwork, a T-shirt, war remembrances, and a Victory Medal – personal tributes sealed beneath a timeless figure of remembrance.
We Will Remember Them
As we reflect on both World Wars this D-Day anniversary, Seaham’s Tommy reminds us that remembrance is not just for one day. It lives on in memorials, in stories passed down, and in the hearts of communities who continue to honour the past.
At 81 years since D-Day, we stand united in gratitude and remembrance.
We will remember them.
