Guernsey is set to welcome more than 100 visiting military personnel as part of this year’s Liberation Day parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the island’s Occupation.
The three branches of the Armed Forces; the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force will all be represented with contingents from HMS DARING, the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment and 201 Squadron, all of which hold affiliations with Guernsey.
The parade, which will begin at 11:00, will be led by the Royal Marines Band Scotland.
A contingent of Ghurkas and the ever-popular Chelsea Pensioners will also take part.
The parade will this year march an extended route, beginning at North Beach, moving along the Town Quay and seafront, coming around the Castle Pier roundabout (in front of the Slaughterhouse), before returning along the sea front to the Town Church.
The visiting military personnel will be joined by the Island Cadet Guard, Elizabeth College Combined Cadet Force and representatives from the Sea Cadets, Air Cadet Force, Army Cadet Force and RAF Air Cadets and a contingent of local veterans representing all three services.
For some of the visiting military, this year’s parade holds even more significance as they
return to their island home.
Lieutenant Colonel, Andy Carré will be among them.
He took over as Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment last year.
“I’m a born and bred Guernseyman, plus my father was born in Sark and lived there for the whole Occupation, so this anniversary is incredibly important to me and our family,” he explained.
“My appointment to Command the 4th Battalion was very well-timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary. I am so proud to have the opportunity to bring elements of the Battalion to the island and represent the Regiment to show our soldiers our history and to lead them in the parade.”
Band Colour Sergeant, Nick West, has been recruited to RM Band Scotland for the visit to bring a local connection.
“In addition to the honour of leading out the parade we have our swing band line up and will perform on the music stage on North Beach at 17:00,” he said.
“We don’t often switch between the commemorative and celebratory styles on the same day and we’re really looking forward to being part of both aspects of the day.”
Lieutenant Commander Tim Slann is co-ordinating the Liberation Day parade again.
He said it is an honour to be involved.
“The Liberation Day parade holds a special significance for all local cadets and veterans who always turn out in force,” he said.
“To be joined by so many serving personnel from our affiliated military units has created what we believe to be the largest parade we’ve ever had.
“Celebrating the 80th anniversary and with so many visiting and local personnel, we decided to do something slightly different and have extended the route of the parade to allow more people to enjoy and experience the Royal Marine Band Scotland. The parade will form as normal on the North Esplanade and march an extended route up to the Slaughterhouse roundabout before returning to the Town Church for the service.”