Today we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which formally marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The commemorations provide an opportunity to remember and pay tribute to an entire generation of men and women who sacrificed so much.

We also take a moment to remember our former colleagues whose engineering expertise contributed to the country’s fight for freedom.

The company famously played a significant part in the design and construction of the temporary “Mulberry Harbours” which supported the Allies’ D-Day Landings in June 1944, an operation which was to mark the start of the end of World War II. 

However, our war time contribution extended far beyond the harbours and included the construction of the top-secret RAF Battle of Britain Fighter Bunker at Hillingdon, which was to play a critical role in the all-important battle for air supremacy during the conflict, and the US Forces Underground Control Centre in High Wycombe.

Across the country, our former colleagues built or upgraded more than 20 RAF airfields, facilities that would provide bases for fighter defences and bomber command as well as support during the allied invasion of Europe. They also constructed Air Raid Precaution (ARP) shelters across London, established to guide the public on air raid precautions, enforce blackouts, and co-ordinate emergency responses.

Today, we proudly continue to support those in their careers outside of the armed forces. During our Remembrance Day commemorations last year, we sat down with four former service men and women to hear about their experiences in the forces and how they have transitioned back to civvy street.

As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, we work with specialist recruitment partners to provide suitable opportunities for those whose military careers are coming to a close.

Our veterans network acts as an important advisory to the Board, telling them what is most important to our veterans and how we can best support them. Our commitment to former service personnel is led by CEO, Neil Martin, as sponsor of the veterans network.

We are proud that Sir Robert McAlpine is a veteran-friendly second home where ex-service personnel are provided with all the support they need to ensure the best of starts to their new careers.

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