Working with French and British Governments in 2010, Chris took total responsibility for the International tribute for the 70th anniversary Commemoration of Dunkirk’s Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunkirk. The tribute, held in both the UK & France, was documented by the Worlds media/press and TV, from CNN to the BBC.
Commemorations started in England on 27th May 2010 in the United Kingdom and France. Advance productions teams were dispatched to France in preparation for the arrival of the veterans, and the worlds media.
Royal Choral Society, Canterbury Choral Society, Combined Choirs of the Dunkirk school academies, and the Band of the Parachute Regiment all performed.
White doves were released, red rose petals were scattered into the sea in Dunkirk by emotional veterans of the Battle of Dunkirk evacuation.
English and French children waved both the Union Flag and the Tricolore, and they too cast red rose petals into Dunkirk waters in a touching ceremony.
Escorted by the Royal Naval Frigate, HMS Monmouth, a sail past from the Little Ships who saved so many servicemen exactly seventy years before.
Various French and English Dignitaries, British and French Ministers, members of the armed forces, French Clergy were all present at the ceremony which lasted from 8am until 11.30pm that memorable day in May.
This was, without a doubt, the most emotional project that Chris has ever been commissioned to produce and direct to date.
Its success is showcased by the fact the Dunkirk tribute won an Award for Best International Production Campaign by IVCOM.
International Visual Communications Association
International Campaigns
Highly Commended
‘I would like to personally thank all involved in the organising and execution of the Operation Dynamo commemoration onboard Maersk Dover, 27th May 2010. It was spectacular!
In the history of Norfolkline, we have never before taken on such a large and meaningful event onboard a vessel. The determination, team work, and consideration shown by everyone involved ensured we delivered an unprecedented event, which will be fondly remembered by who attended. The commemoration of Operation Dynamo was a very moving day for our guests and the sympathy, kindness and attentiveness of everyone involved did not go un-noticed.
As a Norfolkline employee, I am indeed proud of the team we have, which made this possible.’
Thomas Woldbye, CEO NorfolkLine