About the Trust
Honouring service, preserving legacy, and educating future generations
Our Purpose
The Spirit of Normandy Trust exists to ensure the sacrifice of the Normandy veterans is never forgotten.
Founded in 1994 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Normandy campaign, the Trust has spent decades supporting veterans and their families while promoting remembrance, education, and public understanding of D-Day and the Battle for Normandy.
As the number of surviving veterans has declined, the Trust’s work has become even more important: preserving their legacy, supporting their dependants, and helping younger generations understand the cost of freedom.
1994
Founded to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Normandy campaign.
What We Do
Supporting veterans, educating young people, and caring for places of remembrance.
Welfare
Welfare support for remaining veterans and their dependants, in liaison with SSAFA.
Education
Education for children and the general public about the Normandy Landings, the Second World War, and why remembrance still matters.
Memorials
Maintaining the Normandy Campaign Memorial, the Montgomery Statue, and the Spirit of Normandy plot at Westminster Abbey.
Our History
Founded in 1994.
1994
The Spirit of Normandy Trust was founded by the late General Peter Martin CBE, former President of the NVA, together with General Sir John Mogg, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Normandy campaign.
Trustees Appointed
A body of Trustees was appointed to administer and carry out the work of the charity. Over the years, the Trust has organised commemorative events, supported veterans and their families, and championed remembrance through public engagement and education.
Registered Charity
The Trust is a registered charity, No. 1038121.
Why It Matters
The significance of D-Day and the Battle for Normandy cannot be overstated.
The Normandy Landings were one of the largest airborne and seaborne operations in history. Victory required courage, secrecy, sacrifice, and extraordinary determination from ordinary men and women called upon to do something exceptional.
Under British command alone, 22,442 people never returned home. The Trust exists to ensure those individuals, and their dependants, receive the support they need and that their service is never forgotten.
Ordinary men and women were called upon to undertake an extraordinary task.