Operation Tiger Commemoration, Slapton Sands, Devon, UK

Photo By: CPHOM Robert F. Sargent, USCG

In March 2019, Martin was asked to create an installation to help commemorate not only D-Day but also very particularly the 749 mainly young, American forces who lost their lives in a training exercise which took place on Slapton Sands in Devon, UK in April, 1944.

After studying a great deal of photography and footage from the D-Day landings, Martin was particularly inspired by the iconic ‘Into the jaws of Death’ by US Coast Guard chief petty officer & photographer’s mate Robert F. Sargent.

The ‘Bootprint’ installation was the result with 749 pairs of bootprints, modelled on the sole of the boots used at the time, laid out facing the sea on Slapton Sands. The same sea which had claimed their lives, and which should have carried them less than 2 months later to the shores of northern France, over the horizon.

As with There But Not There and the Tommy, Martin’s focus was in trying to inspire others simply to think and he wanted to create something not too literal, leaving room in people’s minds for their own interpretation, reflections and thoughts.

After very considerable planning and working with a team of extremely willing locals and his ever reliable assistants on the day, Martin worked between tides to lay the Bootprints, ensure the media secured their imagery and then cleared the beach. Extensive press interest secured through the retained PR firm ensured the tragic story about this disaster (kept secret at the time)  went national and formed an early part of the D-Day Commemorations. Martin was particularly delighted that locals and visitors, once they saw what was going on and why, asked if they too could be a part of laying the Bootprints. A truly interactive Installation.

Given the great interest shown in the Slapton Sands installation, it was followed up by a similar one on Sword Beach on the anniversary of D-Day.

Bootprints for Operation Tiger