Norman Tebbit 1931-2025
As the founding members of the Friends of the Battle of Britain (London) Monument, we are deeply saddened at the loss of Lord Tebbit and extend our condolences and best wishes to his family. Norman’s leadership, energy, commitment and contacts (political, media, ambassadorial) were integral to ensuring that this public monument came into being, to ensure the funding and build could take place. He would not let up even when the National Lottery for some reason declined to provide funding. Norman put together a dedicated committee of volunteers who worked so hard over many years to raise funds and awareness of the project, and to work with the RAF, MoD and Westminster City Council to organise the Unveiling of the Monument on Victoria Embankment by our now King and Queen in 2005. Throughout the Monument development, Norman was active in supporting and communicating with the surviving pilots and their families, attending visits for those who were able to come to the bronze foundry to see the Monument being cast.
Norman remained a terrific supporter of all our legacy activities – in particular the BBM website and the unique online archive of pilots’ stories that is the first port of call for media organisations, military researchers and obituary writers from all over the world.
As Norman’s continuing dedicated volunteers, we are so proud of everything achieved under his leadership and guidance, and grateful for the support and encouragement he gave us.
We tried to meet him every year at the Monument close to Battle of Britain Day in September until his increasing frailty prevented him joining us, but we always sent him photos and enjoyed his typically pithy replies (and all the gossip he liked to share)!
Thank you for everything, Norman. Rest in peace.