A crowd of joyous Guernsey islanders in front of the States building in St Peter Port on May 9th 1945.
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, 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.
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. 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.
On tour at Les Minquiers on 28th May 1945. L to R: 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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Troops arrive at the Weighbridge, St Helier aboard six DUKWs pre-loaded with stores having been transported to Jersey on the USS LST 527.
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.
This was the scene in the Royal Square, St Helier, Jersey on Tuesday the 8th May 1945 as a huge crowd gathered to hear Winston Churchill’s speech to mark the end of the war and a historical moment for the occupied Channel Islands.
Jersey, Saturday 12th May, 1945. Members of Force 135 from the initial Phases of Operation 'Moslem’ still wearing their life-vests congregate at the Weighbridge Transit Area and await orders to move to the Assembly Areas or Objectives. Behind is the Pomme d’Or Hotel that was the Tactical HQ of Force 135.