May 9th 1946. Honours in the Junior Class 2 (a) in the Cavalcade for pedestrians in costume easily went to three-year-old David A. Rose, Guernsey’s “Winston Churchill” complete with top-hat cigar and walking stick made a big hit as he strolled along. He is seen here in the sidecar of Mr. F. H. Rose’s decorated motor cycle, “A Churchillian Scene” in Class 22.
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.
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.
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.
Petty Officer John Langlois, son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Langlois, of the Green lanes, arrived in Guernsey on Saturday 12th May and before he had marched more than a few yards was greeted unexpectedly by his sister. PO Langlois, who was educated at Amherst School, joined HM forces in 1936, landed in France on D-Day and was last in the island on leave in 1939.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sergeant 'Nobby’ Hamon, Hampshires, attached to 618 Regiment, Royal Artillery. A well-known island footballer before the war who landed with the initial troops from the 'Omelette’ advance party at the New Jetty St Peter Port Harbour on Wednesday 9th May 1945 at approximately 07.50 hours. He is being greeted by Mr. Walter Le Fevre and Mr. Philip Hamon from Sark as he stepped ashore.
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.
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.
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.
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. Brigadier A. E. Snow (centre) and Alexander Coutanche, Bailiff of Jersey (right). RASCV Tardenois can be seen at anchor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.