8th May is VE day, but….
We must also remember that some parts of the British Isles were invaded and occupied by German forces (the channel Islands) and in the case of Jersey, it was 9th May when they were liberated. There were labour camps on the islands – many died there, and towards the end of the war starvation was rife.
There’s the (possibly apocryphal tale of a) statement reputed to have been made by Winston Churchill – “Let ’em starve. No fighting. They can rot at their leisure” in response to a German offer to evacuate women, children and the elderly. It may or may not be true, it may be that he was only referring to the occupying forces, but it still leaves me feeling uncomfortable.
This was sent to us as overseas members of the Jersey Pistol Club: (As four of us are priviledged to be after competing in the Supershot Challenge.)
” For the edification of overseas members, the Channel Islands were invaded by German forces in 1940 and remained under occupation until liberation in May 1945, 8th May for Guernsey and Alderney and 9th May for Jersey.
After departure of the Germans the islands were littered with abandoned ordnance.
I am told that rifles and pistols were stacked in huge heaps on the dockside as the German soldiers boarded ships bound for England.
Some interested locals will have “borrowed” some of these items to keep for posterity and no doubt some are still stashed away in the loft, forgotten as the older members of society have passed on.
May 9th, “Liberation Day” is celebrated every year with suitable pomp and glory, and it’s recognised as an extra Bank Holiday.
Tomorrow is that day. The 80th anniversary so a big and important day with celebrations in St Helier’s Weybridge area as well as at Parish Halls and private homes everywhere.
Best wishes for Liberation Day..”
(NB: Weybridge area is now known as “LIBERATION SQUARE.”)
Youngsters playing with an anti-aircraft gun immediately after the removal of the occupying German forces in May 1945.
If you haven’t been to any of the Channel Islands, I’ll simply suggest to you that you’re missing out.
