War hero remembered

Sapper George Onions – the only British serviceman to die on active duty in Alderney – has been remembered, 80 years after his death.

The annual memorial service was held at St Anne’s Church on Saturday. The service was held at his graveside.

The Church Bells rung for half an hour before the service began.

The poignant  gathering was attended by ex -service personnel from the islands, residents, and States Members as well as a small group of reservist soldiers from the Guernsey section of the Jersey Field Squad.

Sapper Onions was born in Tunstall, Stoke on Trent.

He was just 22-years-old when he was killed while helping to clean up Alderney after the Second World War had ended.

He was in Alderney to help clear land mines laid across the island by the Germans during the Occupation.

Serving with the 259 Field Company of the Royal Engineers, the military engineer was unloading a lorry carrying supposedly decommissioned mines and detonators when one of them exploded.

His death on 21 June 1945 came after the Channel Islands were liberated but before the majority of the civilian population had returned home to Alderney.

Sapper Onions was remembered with affection at the service not only for his service but for his engagement with the local community.

The service, organised by Alderney Churches Together was conducted by Methodist minister Reverend David Stretton.

Wreaths were laid by the President William Tate, schoolgirls Maia Gaudion (11) and Imogen Cotton (10).