In June 1940 men of military age were called upon to leave the Channel Islands and hundreds went immediately.
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.
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.
German soldiers, now prisoners of war, waiting to embark in LST from the beach between West Park and First Tower, St Aubin’s Bay, Jersey on Saturday 19th May 1945. The US LST 295 had been part of the Second Lift bringing equipment and stores to the island on the 18th May.
Wehrmacht prisoners of war proceed along Victoria Avenue to West Park, Jersey, where DUKWs were waiting on the beach to ferry them out to the LSI anchored in St Aubin’s Bay. Their eventual destination being POW camps in the UK.
As Brigadier Snow was leaving the grounds of Elizabeth College following the reading of the Proclamation he caught sight of two disabled Guernseymen both proudly wearing medals, which had been gained in the World War of 1914-18. They were Mr. Arthur Henry Sims of La Rousalerie, La Ramée, St Peter Port, and Mr. F. T. Corbet, of “Guillemont”, Braye Road, St Sampson. Mr. Corbet, disabled with leg injuries at the Battle of the Somme in 1916, also received a handclasp from Brigadier Snow and said that he would cherish the kind words which the Brigadier bestowed upon him.
As Brigadier Snow was leaving the grounds of Elizabeth College following the reading of the Proclamation he caught sight of two disabled Guernseymen both proudly wearing medals which had been gained in the World War of 1914-18. They were Mr. Arthur Henry Sims of La Rousalerie, La Ramée, St Peter Port, and Mr. F. T. Corbet of “Guillemont”, Braye Road, St Sampson. Brigadier Snow stopped and went across to Mr. Sims. He shook hands with him and asked him how he had lost his two legs. Mr. Sims told the Brigadier that if had happened at the Battle of Cambrai. He added that he was proud and pleased to see British boys here once again.
Brigadier Snow, OBE, and his officers prepare to leave Elizabeth College grounds after the reading of the Proclamation and King’s Message Ceremony. L to R: Lieutenant-colonel E. G. Stoneman, TD, RA; Rear-Admiral C. G. Stuart, DSO, DSC (serving in the rank of Captain, RN), Naval Commander Force 135; and Brigadier A. E. Snow, OBE.
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, 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.
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.
Warrant Officer William F. Walden-Mills, ARCM, LRAM, conducting the DCLI Band in St Peter Port on Saturday 12th May 1945.
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.
Mrs. Elsie Jory of the Laurels Candie Road St Peter Port had painted her 'Welcome’ sign under the very noses of the Germans in her husband’s workshops whilst he had planted out 150 red and 150 white tulips the previous October.
A crowd of joyous Guernsey islanders in front of the States building in St Peter Port on May 9th 1945.
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 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.
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 '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. 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).
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.
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.
Lieutenant-Colonel Stoneman, TD, RA, salutes the officer in charge of the Guard of Honour, Captain, R. Hill, RA.
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.
DCLI Band trombone players (Corporal Green, Bandsmen W. Haken & Stannard) in St Peter Port on Saturday 12th May 1945. An unusual photograph of military bandsmen wearing helmets and carrying a sidearm.
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.
Brigadier A. E. Snow, OBE, officer commanding Force 135 and Military Governor of the Channel Islands, smiles for the Press prior to the Home Secretary’s speech on 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.
A hive of activity taking place at the side door of the Pomme d 'Or Hotel in Conway Street, Jersey. German prisoners are guarded by British troops. The vehicles are a Morris and a Bedford 15 cwt which had been captured by the
British troops stand guard outside the Pomme d`Or Hotel in the days following Liberation. The hotel was the Naval headquarters for the German Kriegsmarine. Note the sentry box to the right of the main entrance.
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.