A service commemorating a famous speech by former French president and general Charles de Gaulle – that “inspired hope and determination” during the Second World War – was held in a corner of the St Helier Marina earlier today.
The proceedings took place by a commemorative stone marking de Gaulle’s ‘Appel du 18 Juin 1940’, his historic address calling for a continued fight against the rapidly advancing German forces later associated with the beginnings of the French resistance.
He made the speech during a BBC radio broadcast in London after fleeing there from France.
The island’s French Honorary Consul, Pierre Chays, said: “Today is a very important day for France and for the French people, as it marks the moment when General de Gaulle called upon the French nation to resist and never give up the fight during the Second World War.”
Mr Chays continued: “His appeal of 18 June 1940 inspired hope and determination, ensuring that France continued the struggle for freedom against Nazi persecution and occupation, after the French government sought an armistice during World War II.”
He noted that Jersey “holds a particular connection to this historic day”.
“On his way to London to deliver the famous Appel du 18 Juin, General de Gaulle stopped over in Jersey with his plane,” Mr Chays explained.
“This gives the island a unique and meaningful place in the history of that defining moment for France and for Europe.”
As we mark General de Gaulle’s Appeal of 18 June 1940, we also pay tribute to all those in Jersey and France who showed courage and determination during the Second World War
French Honorary Consul in Jersey, Pierre Chays
Additionally, a commemoration to remember and honour François Scornet is due to be held this evening at St Ouen’s Manor, where the young French resistant was executed by a German firing squad in 1941.
Mr Chays said: “As we mark General de Gaulle’s Appeal of 18 June 1940, we also pay tribute to all those in Jersey and France who showed courage and determination during the Second World War.”
He added: “François Scornet will always be remembered as part of this shared history between Jersey and France, and it is important that we continue to pass this memory on to future generations.”