May 9th 1946. Naval ratings from the visiting battleship HMS King George V commanded by Lieutenant-Commander Hutchins followed behind the Royal Marine Band.
May 9th 1946. The Liberation Cavalcade marched in stately procession, headed by “John Bull” (Mr. Wilfred Shirvell), and moved off from the Half-Way punctually at 3 p.m.
Following the Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 19th August 1945 conducted by the Rev. T. Davis, Vicar of St James, there was a march past of all the troops that had taken part in the service. Drawn from every unit in the island the troops formed up in the vicinity of the Guernsey Brewery. At 12 noon the troops proceeded along the Coal Quay and the North Esplanade then on to the Weighbridge where Brigadier A. E. Snow OBE took the salute. Beside him on the dais is the Bailiff of Guernsey Victor Carey Esq.
A cargo vessel from Group III of the Liberation Fleet which arrived at St Peter Port Harbour, Guernsey, on 13th May carrying essential supplies. Once unloaded the much awaited food stuffs were transported to the Detail Issue Depot (DID), ready for distribution to islanders.
SS Sandhill, Group III of the Liberation Fleet which arrived at St Peter Port Harbour, Guernsey, on 13th May carrying essential supplies. Once unloaded the much awaited food stuffs were transported to the Detail Issue Depot (DID) ready for distribution to islanders.
German prisoners of war in Guernsey make their way to waiting LSTs that will take them to the England.
Lines of German prisoners of war waiting on the beach to board the three LST, 295, 527 and 521 that beached in St Aubin’s Bay, Jersey, on Saturday 19th May 1945.
Brigadier Snow and Senior Officers of Force 135 salute as the Union Flag is broken out and the DCLI Band played the National Anthem at the reading of the Proclamation and King’s Message Ceremony, at Elizabeth College, Guernsey on Saturday afternoon 12th May 1945.
The RAF provided air cover for the landings and flew low over the island to “show the flag.” This squadron of fighters flew low over St Peter Port, Guernsey much to the delight of the islanders watching the British troops coming ashore. The mast of the US LST 516 can be seen which was beached in the Old Harbour.
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.
The American LST 516, piloted by Captain Abbey formerly of Isle de Serk, manoeuvred through the narrow entrance of the Inner Harbour and came to rest within a few yards of the sea wall and moored to the north and south piers of the Old Harbour and waited for the tide to recede. Tommies and Doughboys were singing and shouting and generally giving greeting to Guernsey, from the top deck. Guernsey folk are also welcoming a detachment of British Troops trying to make their way along the Esplanade.
Eight DUKWs pre-loaded with supplies swam ashore from HM Landing Ship Tank (LST) 234 (Army Serial No. 130) anchored off St Peter Port, Guernsey and drove up the slipway of the Old Harbour much to the amazement of the crowd on Saturday morning 12th May 1945.
During Saturday morning 12th May, several of the LSTs at anchor off St Peter Port, Guernsey lowered several British LCP(V) and other landing craft which unloaded specialist troops and their equipment. One of the landing craft is seen here unloading a Jeep and a lorry at the slipway of the Old Harbour.
The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (DCLI) Band stops to play in the street leading from Le Pollet into the North Esplanade, St Peter Port. Their schedule was a busy one as they played at the Proclamation Ceremony at Elizabeth College during the early afternoon of Saturday 12th May 1945 and were then transported by ship to Jersey for a similar ceremony in the Royal Square, St Helier later in the day.
Lance-Corporal Dispatch Rider, Force 135, putting a sweet into a boy’s mouth much to the delight of the watching crowd on the Esplanade, St Peter Port on Saturday 12th May 1945. The soldier is wearing a blue armband with the letters 'RP’ (Regimental Police) in red.
Lance-Corporal Dispatch Rider, Force 135 (still wearing his life vest) offering sweets to a young Guernsey boy outside the Crown Hotel on the Esplanade, St Peter Port on Saturday 12th May 1945.
Lance-Corporal Dispatch Rider, Force 135, giving out sweets to a group of delighted children on the Esplanade, St Peter Port on Saturday 12th May 1945.
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.
Gathered with Guernsey States officials on the Court House steps for the Hoisting of the Flag Ceremony are (left to right front row) Colonel H. R. Power, OBE, MC, No. 20 Civil Affairs Unit; the Bailiff of Guernsey, Mr. Victor Carey; Lieutenant-Colonel E. G. Stoneman, TD, RA, officer commanding 618 Regiment, Royal Artillery, Force 135.
Colonel Herbert Power OBE, MC, Chief Civil Affairs Officer, No. 20 Civil Affairs Unit, Force 135, makes little headway along the Glategny Esplanade after leaving the Royal Hotel. He was besieged by thankful islanders wanting to shake his hand and obtain his autograph. PC 24 Basil Le Page tries to help him through the enthusiastic crowd.
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, 7th June, 1945. A Ford 1-cwt recording truck used by the BBC correspondents for the Royal Visit parked in St Helier Church Yard, opposite the entrance of the new States buildings. The man on the left is a War Correspondent, possibly Howard Marshall’s Recording Engineer W. S. Costello, and the soldier on the right is most probably the driver of the truck. On the windscreen can be seen displayed the Royal Visit St Patrick’s Cross vehicle permit, issued by Force 135 HQ, and another identifying the truck as belonging to the BBC.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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. “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.
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.
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.