The 80th anniversary of Guernsey’s Liberation this Friday will give everyone a flavour of what life was like in the island on 9 May 1945.
The moment that the British forces landed in St Peter Port, before the signing of the surrender, effectively freeing Guernsey from German rule, will be re-enacted from 17:30.
Organised by the Guernsey Military History Company, the ‘living history’ performance will
recreate the arrival of Force 135, the British military task force who were responsible for the liberation of the Channel Islands.
The event will take place at the Albert Pier, featuring HMS Medusa and Rummy III (HMS Flycatcher) with Guernsey Petroleum Distributors Ltd (GPD) sponsoring the fuel for the visiting craft.
Mat Broughton, from GPD and a representative of Guernsey Military Motors & Cycles
said it will be a sight to behold – as it would have been 80 years ago.
“It’s a privilege for GPD to play a part in helping bring history to life for the community and we hope that this event will give people a real sense of what it was like when British forces arrived to restore our freedom 80 years ago,” he said.
“Guernsey Military Motors & Cycles will have a display set up on Albert Pier all day, with vintage British WW2 military vehicles and motorcycles providing a glimpse into wartime life.”
Russell Doherty of the Guernsey Military History Company has helped to organise the re-enactment.
“Force 135 was the British military task force responsible for the liberation of the Channel Islands from German occupation, composed of elements from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. This re-enactment will be a moving tribute to those who lived through the occupation and a way for all generations to connect with this pivotal moment in Guernsey’s history.”
Deputy Sue Aldwell, Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, said the re-enactment will help to show younger people what it was really like 80 years ago.
“We’re thrilled to have this re-enactment as part of the wider Liberation Day celebrations,” she said.
“Islanders will also get to experience performances from the Bugles and Drums of the Stedfast Association and 40s vocal duet The Vibettes to add to the atmosphere.”
