Crowds of Guernsey folk that had waited for the arrival of the main body of the 'Omelette’ advance party climbed on buildings, carts and lorries to get a better view. At 2.15 p.m. on Wednesday 9th May 1945 the British troops landed under the command of Major J. Clement, RA, consisting of 'D’ Battery 618 Regiment, Royal artillery, with additional personnel from 'A’ Battery; Detachment of Royal Engineers; Detachment of royal Corps of Signals; totalling eleven officers, three Warrant Officers and one hundred and fifty four other ranks.
Generalmajor Siegfried Heine boarding HMS Bulldog just after midnight on Wednesday 9th May presents his Identification Authorisation to Captain H. Herzmark of the Intelligence Corps. He was escorted to the Wardroom to meet with the three British representatives to discuss the technicalities of surrender.
Royal Visit, Jersey, Thursday morning, 7th June, 1945. The St Helier Harbourmaster, Captain Harry Richmond, chats with another local harbour official on the Albert Pier as they wait for their Majesties’ arrival.
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.
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 '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.
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. 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.
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 (centre) and Alexander Coutanche, Bailiff of Jersey (right). RASCV Tardenois can be seen at anchor.
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.
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.
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.
May 9th 1946. “John Bull” was followed by a brilliant splash of colour provided by the Royal Marine band from HMS King George V in navy blue uniform and white pith helmets. Their fine playing greatly added to the success of the procession and were accorded a warm reception by the spectators.
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 crowds in front of the Court House sing the National Anthem as they witnessed the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony. God Save the King rang out over St Peter Port followed by an outburst of cheering.
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.
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.
After his brief visit to Guernsey the Home Secretary and his party were ferried out to the destroyer, Impulsive. Their next destination was Jersey. On board the landing Craft Assault (LCA) can be seen Captain Colvin, Brigadier Snow, Major Le Patourel, Mr. Herbert Morrison, Lord Munster and other British Government Officials.
The Home Secretary, the Right Honourable Herbert Stanley Morrison, signing autographs in St Peter Port during his visit to Guernsey on Monday, 14th May, 1945.
The Home Secretary, the Right Honourable Herbert Morrison, in front of the Royal Court, Guernsey with Brigadier Snow, the Bailiff of Guernsey, Lt-Col Stoneman, Major Le Patourel, Rear Admiral Stuart and many others on 14th May, 1945.
Lieutenant-Colonel William Arnold, the senior legal adviser with no. 20 Civil Affairs Unit, Force 135, and Guernseyman Major Wallace Le Patourel, VC, arrive at the Court Buildings, St Peter Port, to hear the Home Secretary’s speech, on 14th May, 1945.
The Home Secretary, The Right Honourable Herbert Morrison addresses the crowds of people gathered outside the Royal Court on Monday, 14th May, 1945.
The crowds in front of the Court House burst into singing the National Anthem as they witnessed the Hoisting of the Union Flag, on the 9th May, 1945. God save the King rang out over St Peter Port, followed by a thunderous outburst of sustained cheering.
Brigadier Snow accepted the formal surrender of the German Garrison from Vizeadmiral Hüffmeier at 11.00 hours on Saturday, 12th May, at the former German Naval Headquarters, the Crown Hotel, St Peter Port. He is seen here leaving the Hotel with his ADC, Oberleutnant Edwald Severing. Hüffmeier was escorted to the harbour for evacuation to England. On the left of the photograph, with his back to the camera, is a War Correspondent from the PR Section of Force 135. Note the barbed wire that has been draped from the balcony to the railings.
Recently liberated Algerian POWs stand at Pier Road, Jersey on the 24th May 1945 prior to the Empire Day parade. Note the assortment of uniforms.
On the afternoon of 9th May, 1945, the first detachment of troops of Task Force 135, led by Colonel Robinson, landed at the Albert Pier. After marching to the Weighbridge, they set up their headquarters at the Pomme d'Or Hotel. Upon their arrival, the Harbourmaster, Captain Richmond, hoisted the Union Flag over the balcony.
Crowds gather in anticipation at the harbour offices, St Helier, Jersey on the morning of 9th May 1945 where the advance party Omelette are preparing to address the crowd.
Crowds gather outside the harbour office in St Helier, Jersey on 9th May 1945 to witness a large Union Flag being draped from the first floor by Surgeon-Lieutenant McDonald with the assistance of Sub-Lieutenant David Milne.
German officers from the Kriegsmarine and Wehrmacht aboard the FK01 leave St Helier harbour to rendezvous with HMS Beagle on 9th May 1945.
Crowds gather to hear Winston Churchill’s speech in Royal Square, St Helier, Jersey on the afternoon of Tuesday 8th May 1945.