Latest news with #Force135
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alderney marks 80th anniversary of Liberation Day
A day of remembrance and celebrations has been held in Alderney to mark the 80th anniversary of when the island was liberated from Nazi German occupation at the end of Word War Two. Held at the harbour and conducted by the Reverend David Knight, a morning service saw the police, RNLI and other emergency services come together with islanders. It was followed by a parade, performed by the Force 135 living history group, through the town to Royal Connaught Square before an address was delivered by President of the States William Tate. In his speech, he paid tribute to the islanders who had returned to Alderney several months after liberation. More news stories for Guernsey Listen to the latest news for Guernsey He praised them for rebuilding their homes and re-establishing their constitution. The raising of the Union flag then followed along with the singing of the national anthem. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Liberation Day 2025 marked in Guernsey and Jersey Flypasts, parades and parties mark Liberation Day States of Alderney
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alderney marks 80th anniversary of Liberation Day
A day of remembrance and celebrations has been held in Alderney to mark the 80th anniversary of when the island was liberated from Nazi German occupation at the end of Word War Two. Held at the harbour and conducted by the Reverend David Knight, a morning service saw the police, RNLI and other emergency services come together with islanders. It was followed by a parade, performed by the Force 135 living history group, through the town to Royal Connaught Square before an address was delivered by President of the States William Tate. In his speech, he paid tribute to the islanders who had returned to Alderney several months after liberation. More news stories for Guernsey Listen to the latest news for Guernsey He praised them for rebuilding their homes and re-establishing their constitution. The raising of the Union flag then followed along with the singing of the national anthem. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Liberation Day 2025 marked in Guernsey and Jersey Flypasts, parades and parties mark Liberation Day States of Alderney
BBC News
24-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Alderney marks 80th anniversary of Liberation Day
A day of remembrance and celebrations has been held in Alderney to mark the 80th anniversary of when the island was liberated from Nazi German occupation at the end of Word War at the harbour and conducted by the Reverend David Knight, a morning service saw the police, RNLI and other emergency services come together with islanders. It was followed by a parade, performed by the Force 135 living history group, through the town to Royal Connaught Square before an address was delivered by President of the States William his speech, he paid tribute to the islanders who had returned to Alderney several months after liberation. He praised them for rebuilding their homes and re-establishing their constitution. The raising of the Union flag then followed along with the singing of the national anthem.
ITV News
16-05-2025
- General
- ITV News
Liberation 80: Alderney celebrates freedom from German Occupation with two-part programme
Alderney will mark 80 years since islanders were liberated from German Occupation with a special two-part programme on Friday 16 May. Alderney's Liberation Day is a week after Jersey and Guernsey 's celebrations, marking when Brigadier A.E. Snow and Force 135 came ashore at Braye Bay on 16 May 1945. Special events have already taken place throughout the week: the island was visited by a restored Harbour Defence Motor Launch - H.M.S. Medusa - that was open for residents to visit between Monday 12 and Wednesday 14 May. The Jersey and Guernsey Force 135 living history group also set up camp on Braye Common on Thursday 15 May, in preparation for Friday's events. New information boards have been placed on Braye Street, sharing the significance of the historic day. At Braye Harbour / RNLI Station - 11am A fanfare introduction will welcome Force 135 coming ashore at Braye Bay as they did 80 years ago. The Service of Commemoration will then begin to commemorate the special anniversary. Force 135 will march off, with the promise of a 'Musical Finale' to bring the Service to a close. Connaught Square / Island Hall - 2pm In the afternoon, a parade will take place from Victoria Street, as well as a drill display from Force 135. The President of Alderney States, William Tate, will deliver an address, before the Union flag is raised with the National Anthem. The bells of St Anne's Church will also be rung to celebrate the German surrender and liberation. Plans to liberate the Channel Islands were drawn up in November 1944 under the name 'Operation Nestegg'. Following VE Day, Force 135 sailed into the Bailiwicks on 9 May 1945 to receive the surrender of German forces stationed there. However, Alderney was considered a potentially threatening fortress with strong defences, and was not liberated until 16 May. Led by Brigadier A.E. Snow under the code-name 'Operation Merit', a landing party headed to the island to meet with the German commandant, Oberstleutnant Schwalm, at the German jetty. Finally, at a house in Braye Road - now known as 'Peacehaven' - the German surrender was signed. Alderney was finally fit for rehabilitation in December 1945 after the arduous task of clearing German war material and repairing the island's dwellings was complete.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jersey Liberation Day 2025: What events are planned
A re-enactment, a music event and a cavalcade will be part of the events held in Jersey to mark Liberation Day. This year it is the 80th anniversary of when German occupying forces surrendered in World War Two. Liberation Day will also become an official national holiday on the island for the first time. The annual Liberation Day breakfast will start the celebrations for some on Friday. Surviving islanders who were in Jersey during the Occupation, service personal, internees and evacuees will get together for a buffet. The event will take place from 07:30 BST in the Town Hall, St Helier. A service and re-enactment will then be held in Liberation Square, St Helier, at 11:00. As part of this there will be a re-enactment of Force 135's arrival into Liberation Square followed by a performance of Beautiful Jersey the new official National Anthem. Limited seats in Liberation Square are available on a first come first served basis for those wishing to attend the ceremony and service of thanksgiving led by The Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Mike Keirle. There will be some reserved seating which will be allocated by the parishes to senior citizens and their families, residents in Jersey during the Occupation, evacuees and those who were deported as well as those who served in the war. At 12:00 BST a march past will take place in front of the Pomme d'Or Hotel, which will be followed by the vintage vehicle motorcade. The cavalcade will follow along Coast Road, past La Rocque, Gorey, Church, Trinity Church, Church before stopping at the La Fontain Tavern in St John. The parade will include vehicles from the Jersey Old Motor Club and The Jersey Military Vehicle Group. The iconic opera house is to reopen after five years of refurbishments to host two Liberation Day concerts. The concerts at the Grade II listed building will see the Philharmonia Orchestra playing World War Two songs performed by Jersey singer Georgie Mae-Bishop. A music festival will run from 9 to 18 May with events at venues including Hamptonne, Gorey Harbour, Rozel Fort. According to Music in Action, there is a theme of escape and reflecting joy through music, hoping to celebrate the anniversary. Local artists featured include Matthew Lombard on saxophone, Jersey Academy of Music Saxophone ensemble and the Jersey Chamber Choir. Islanders have been invited to Weighbridge Place for a free Liberation Day party from 12:45. There will be performances by the Jersey Hoppers, StepByStep Dance School and Performers Jersey as well as local food stalls. For the first time, this year Jersey's parishes will be competing in various sporting events and fun-filled competitions throughout the day. The events will be arranged by the island's constables. The games are already under way to honour the anniversary. Year 6 pupils from all primary schools across the island will participate over four days at FB fields, Springfield Stadium and Les Quennevais Sports Centre. Parish tea parties and get togethers are also set to shape the day for many across the island. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Opera House reopens for Liberation Day concerts Free tickets available for Liberation service States of Jersey
