As the craft carrying the German Island Commander and the Bailiff of Jersey reached the head of Elizabeth Castle breakwater it was passed by the launch from HMS Beagle inward bound. As the launch passed through the pierheads the crowd could see that the men on board were wearing Royal Navy uniforms, and they let out loud cheers of welcome.
View looking across St. Aubin’s bay, Jersey from St. Helier Harbour. HMS Beagle can be seen at anchor behind Elizabeth Castle breakwater. One of the two square bunkers housing the firing points for the electrically detonated mines laid in the approaches to the harbour can be seen at the root of the castle breakwater.
One of the small boats that had made the trip to HMS Beagle anchored in St Aubin’s Bay, Jersey. On returning to St Helier Harbour two on board are holding up copies of the previous day’s newspapers announcing VE-Day, thrown to them by sailors on board the destroyer.
Jersey ex-political prisoners taken shortly after their release from the Newgate Street Prison. Left to Right: Bunny O’Neil, Mr. Rondel, Charles Gruchy, Martin Le Cornu, Hugh Le Cloche, Basil Thornton, the Dutchman Siebe Kosta, and John Bisson.
The RM Stores in King Street, St. Helier, Jersey featured the big three. Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt, with 'Winnie’, standing on a map of Jersey, holding up Hitler by the seat of his breeches.
Surgeon-Lieutenant Ronald McDonald, RNVR, and Sub-Lieutenant David Milln, RN, shortly after landing at the end of the Albert Pier, St Helier, Harbour, Jersey, on Wednesday morning 9th May, 1945. Welcoming them ashore are L to R: Mary Marteret, Miss Frazer, unknown, and just in the picture Major Cooke.
Surgeon-Lieutenant Ronald McDonald, RNVR, and Sub-Lieutenant David Milln, RN, shortly after landing at the end of the Albert Pier, St Helier, Harbour, Jersey, on Wednesday morning 9th May, 1945. The German sign behind them advises Achtung Nicht Ankern Hafenspere (Attention No Anchoring Harbour Boom).
Surgeon-Lieutenant Ronald McDonald, RNVR, and Sub-Lieutenant David Milln, RN, shortly after landing at the end of the Albert Pier, St Helier, Harbour, Jersey, on Wednesday morning 9th May, 1945. Welcoming them ashore are L to R: Betty Richomme, Miss Haines, back row unknown, Mary Marteret, Mrs. M. Sewell, Miss Frazer, unknown, Maurice Gautier, Major Cooke, Mr. Hibbs Royal Court Usher, last three unknown.
Three German Artillery Carriers (Artillerieträger), AF 65, 68 and 71 moored at the top of the New North Quay, St Helier Harbour, Jersey, on 12th May, 1945. In the foreground can be seen the top of a British Landing Craft.
Royal Visit, Jersey, Thursday morning, 7th June, 1945. His Majesty, King George VI, and Major E. E. Underwood, RA, Guard Commander, inspect the Guard of honour lined up in front of the Immigration Building on the Albert Pier, St Helier Harbour. Lieutenant-General Kidman, Brigadier Snow and Lieutenant-Colonel Robinson follow behind. The troops were members of 'B’ Battery, 614 Regiment, Royal Artillery. On the roof of the immigration building are local Police Officers and a group of war correspondents.
The Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony at the Court House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, on Wednesday morning, 9th May, 1945. The two British officers from Force 135, Colonel Power and Lt-Col Stoneman salute, the Bailiff of Guernsey removed his bowler hat and Members of the Controlling Committee of the States of Guernsey look on as the Union Jack is raised after five years of German Occupation.
The Guard of Honour present arms and the officers salute as the Union Flag is broken out at the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony outside the Court Buildings.
The first members of the 'Omelette’ advance party, Force 135, to step ashore at the New Jetty, St Peter Port, on Wednesday, 9th May, 1945, at approximately 07.50 hours.
The 'Gunners’ a detachment from 618 Regiment, Royal Artillery, part of the initial Force 135 advance party codenamed 'Omelette’ formed up on the St Julian’s Pier and was marched by Captain Hill, RA, along the White Rock towards the Weighbridge with Guernseyman Lieutenant Rex Ferbrache, RNVR, leading the way. At the States Office they stopped put the Union flag up the pole and then marched back along the esplanade to the Royal Hotel. Wednesday morning 9th May 1945.
Photograph taken on the 28th May, 1945 at the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony, Maître Ile, the Minquiers, and belonged to Brigadier Snow. Brigadier A. E. Snow coming aboard the J225.
Photograph taken on the 28th May, 1945 at the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony, Maître Ile, the Minquiers, and belonged to Brigadier Snow. Brigadier Snow boarding the J225.
The Brigadier in the stern, Captain Fremantle, Mr Alexander Coutanche and a Naval Rating going ashore at Les Minquiers on 28th May 1945.
Photograph taken on the 28th May, 1945 at the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony, Maître Ile, the Minquiers, and belonged to Brigadier Snow. Still going ashore. Naval Rating, Alexander Coutanche, Naval Officer and Brigadier Snow aboard J225.
Photograph taken on the 28th May, 1945 at the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony, Maître Ile, the Minquiers, and belonged to Brigadier Snow. Going ashore. Naval Rating, Alexander Coutanche, Naval Officer and Brigadier Snow aboard J225.
Photograph taken on the 28th May, 1945 at the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony, Maître Ile, the Minquiers, and belonged to Brigadier Snow. RASCV Tardenois is the second larger of the two vessels moored in the 'Lagoon’. She was a Royal Army Service Corps fast motor boat operated by 841 Water Transport Company between the Channel Islands.
Carved into the diagonal brace of the door to one of the huts in the Maitresse Ils was the inscription in French: 'Liberated by the French Resistance'. Les Minquiers 28th May 1945.
Photograph taken on the 28th May, 1945 at the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony, Maître Ile, the Minquiers, and belonged to Brigadier Snow. Notice reads, Cette MAISON est exclusivement destine à l’usage des Marins pêcheurs en cas de besoin. Elle est placée sous la protection des usagers et des Visiteurs qui sont pries de la tenir proper et d’en fermer la porte avec sou (In the event of an emergency this house is for the use of fisherman. The upkeep of the house is the responsibility of the inhabitants and visitors are asked to keep it clean and close the door after them).
Photograph taken on the 28th May, 1945 at the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony, Maître Ile, the Minquiers, and belonged to Brigadier Snow. The Flag Ceremony Party can be seen inspecting the huts. The flag pole is on the right.
On tour at Les Minquiers on 28th May 1945. L to R: Lt-Col Robinson, Brigadier Snow and Mr Alexander Coutanche.
On tour at Les Minquiers on 28th May 1945. L to R: Brigadier Snow and Mr Alexander Coutanche.
Les Minquiers May 28th 1945. L to R: Buglers, Royal Marine Guard and Royal Marine Officer, Captain Fremantle, Lt-Col Robinson, Brigadier Snow and Mr Alexander Coutanche.
Photograph taken on the 28th May, 1945 at the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony, Maître Ile, the Minquiers, and belonged to Brigadier Snow. The Frenchmen talk with Brigadier Snow, Alexander Coutanche (Bailiff of Jersey) and Lt-Col William Robinson, MC, RA.
The Union Flag once again flying over Les Minquiers on 28th May 1945. L to R: Brigadier Snow, Mr Alexander Coutanche and Mr Charles Duret Aubin.
Captain Fremantle signalling to the vessels that transported the party to Les Minquiers on May 28th 1945.
Class 9, Decorated Trade Vehicles (Horse-Drawn), of the Guernsey 1946 Liberation Cavalcade consisted 1. John H. Bougaize, 2. C. Smith & Son, and 3. Guernsey Brewery Co., Ltd.
May 9th 1946. The great day finished with a display on a big scale of Brock’s fireworks. The gigantic firework display began at 10.15 p.m. and were fired from the White Rock Pier, St Peter Port.
Historic scene on the Royal Court steps St Peter Port, Guernsey on 8th May 1945. The Bailiff Victor Carey Esq. leading three cheers for HM The King after HM Sheriff Mr. H. Blampied had delivered the Bailiff’s address to the people of the island regarding the cessation of German rule after nearly five years of Occupation.
Colonel H. R. Power, OBE, MC, chief Civil Affairs Officer (CCAO), No. 20 Civil Affairs unit, Force 135, steps ashore at St Peter Port on Wednesday morning, 9th May, 1945. He is shaking hands with Inspector Albert P. Lamy, as Mr. Martel and Police Sergeant H. Bull look on.
The initial Force 135 advance party codenamed 'Omelette' formed up on St Julian's Pier and was marched by Captain Hill along the White Rock towards the Weighbridge with Guernseyman Lieutenant Rex Ferbrache leading the way. At the States Office (now the Tourist Information Building) they stopped to put the Union flag up the pole and took this photograph on Wednesday morning 9th May 1945.
Lieutenant-Colonel Stoneman, TD, RA, salutes the officer in charge of the Guard of Honour, Captain, R. Hill, RA.
The Guard of Honour present arms, the officers salute and the Bailiff removes his Bowler hat as the Union Flag is broken out at the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony outside the Court Buildings.
Group I, First Lift, of the Channel Islands Liberation fleet, codenamed 'agent’, commanded by Rear-Admiral C. G. Stuart, DSO, DSC, (Retd) serving in the rank of Captain, RN, Naval force Commander, Force 135, bound for Guernsey sailed from Plymouth at 15.45 hours on 11th May, 1945, 'W’ Day plus 7, and arrived off St Peter Port at 07.15 hours on Saturday, 12th May.
St Peter Port, Wednesday afternoon, 9th May, 1945. The Bailiff of Guernsey, Victor Carey, and two members of the Controlling Committee of the States of Guernsey, welcome Lieutenant-Colonel William Arnold ashore from LCI(L) 103. Lt-Col Arnold was Staff Officer II (Legal) with No. 20 Civil Affairs Unit, Force 135.
Reading of the Proclamation and the King’s Message by Channel Island Commander, at Elizabeth College, St Peter Port, Guernsey, on Saturday 12th May, 1945. At the words “God Save the King” the Union Jack was broken out, the guard of honour gave the Royal Salute and the Force Commander, Brigadier A. E. Snow, OBE, saluted the Union Jack. The DCLI Band then played the National Anthem.
Brigadier Snow, OBE, commander Force 135, followed by Colonel H. R. Power, OBE, MC, Chief Civil affairs Officer, No. 20 Civil Affairs Unit, Force 135, are greeted on the steps of Elizabeth College, St Peter Port, Guernsey by the Bailiff of Guernsey Mr. Victor Carey on their arrival for the reading of the Royal Proclamation Ceremony on Saturday afternoon 12th May 1945.
Reading of the Proclamation and the King’s Message by Channel Island Commander, at Elizabeth College, St Peter Port, Guernsey, on Saturday 12th May, 1945. At the words “God Save the King” the Union Jack was broken out, the guard of honour gave the Royal Salute and the Force Commander, Brigadier A. E. Snow, OBE, saluted the Union Jack. The DCLI Band then played the National Anthem.
Brigadier Snow, OBE, reading the Royal Proclamation from the terrace steps of Elizabeth College, St Peter Port on Saturday afternoon 12th May 1945. The row of officers behind the Brigadier are (left to right) Lieutenant-Colonel E. G. Stoneman, TD, RA, Island Commander; Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. (Tiny) Wigham (Cheshires), General Staff Officer I; Rear-admiral C. G. Stuart, DSO, DSC, (serving in the rank of Captain, RN), Naval Force Commander; Lieutenant-Colonel G. J. Long (Royal Tank Regiment), Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster-General; and Colonel H. R. Power, OBE, MC.
Reading of the Proclamation and the King’s Message by Channel Island Commander, at Elizabeth College, St Peter Port, Guernsey on Saturday 12th May, 1945. Brigadier A. E. Snow, OBE, from the Terrace Steps of Elizabeth College read the Proclamation in a loud clear voice. Behind him are Force 135 senior Staff Officers and Guernsey States officials, members of the Controlling Committee and Jurats of the Royal Court.
The American LST 516 beached in the Old Harbour, St Peter Port, Guernsey, on Saturday, 12th may, 1945. Once the tide had receded the vehicles laden with equipment and supplies disembarked.
Rear-Admiral C. G. Stuart, DSO, DSC (serving in the rank of Captain, RN), Naval Commander Force 135, talking to members of the States of Guernsey Controlling Committee on the terrace steps at Elizabeth College, following the reading of the Proclamation on Saturday afternoon 12th May 1945.