Army's march into battle recreated... 238 years later

Saturday 11 January 2020

Troops of islanders are this morning recreating the march from St. Peter to town into a pivotal battle to stop Jersey being seized by the French.

The walk, which was due to set off from St. Peter's car park - near the Parish Hall - between 08:30 and 09:00 this morning, forms part of the commemoration of the 238th anniversary of the Battle of Jersey and the disbandment of the 'Jersey Company'.

In the Battle of Jersey, an army led by Major Francis Peirson defeated a French invading party who had attempted to take over the island, capturing St Helier in a dawn raid.

Major Peirson, who was the most senior officer of the regular army stationed in the island at the time of the attack, lost his life in the battle.

He was part of the 95th Foot regiment, which was stationed in the west of the island at La Hougue in St. Peter from which point they could protect St. Ouen’s Bay, where the French had attempted to land the year before.

Local historian Frank Falle is leading the commemorative walk from St. Peter to St. Helier, following the route of the 95th Regiment from their barracks to the engagement in town. They will be walking in aid of the Gurkha Welfare Trust Jersey.

Everyone is then due to regroup at 12:00 behind the 1781 Jersey Militia, and march from the Town Hall to the Royal Square, where a commemoration will be held at 12:10.

The 1781 Jersey Militia - a living history group that portrays 18th century military life based on the 1781 Jersey 4th regiment - will be parading and marching with colours flying. They will be accompanied by the Jersey Pipe band through St. Helier.

At 13:00, the group will then depart again and march back to the Town Hall where Constable Simon Crowcroft will host a reception in the Town Hall's Assembly Room.