Latest news with #Force135
ITV News
6 days ago
- General
- ITV News
Top-secret WW2 plans to free Channel Islands from Nazi rule found in cardboard box in Derbyshire
Top-secret British military plans have been discovered in a cardboard box in Derbyshire. The 50-page document, dated 1 November 1944, maps out how forces would liberate the Channel Islands from German Occupation during the Second World War - codenamed "Operation Nestegg". They go into great detail, from the number of ships involved to mine sweeping instructions for the approach by sea. The mission was given the go-ahead on 8 May 1945 as Allied Forces declared Victory in Europe following Germany's unconditional surrender. The mission was carried out by a specialist British military group called Force 135, three 700-man battalions which sailed from Plymouth on HMS destroyers Bulldog and Beagle. They were not sure the message of surrender had been received or accepted in the Channel Islands, so they potentially faced 40,000 German troops stationed behind extensive fortifications, built on Adolf Hitler's instruction to make the Crown Dependencies impenetrable. However, a day later, German troops officially surrendered in Jersey and Guernsey - marking the end of five years of Occupation. Sark followed on 10 May 1945 and later Alderney on 16 May, due to the island's extensive defences. Watch stories of the Channel Islands' liberators, told through the eyes of their children Thousands of people across the Channel Islands celebrate their Liberation Day each year with reenactments and parades. While some plans of the successful British operation are kept in the National Archive, this document will be auctioned off in Etwall near Derby on Wednesday 13 August with a guide price of £800 to £1,200. Hansons Auctioneers' militaria expert, Matt Crowson, says: "It's an incredible story. The document had been part of a dusty box of papers in a UK saleroom, the value of which was considered negligible. "But on closer examination the vendor came across a piece of WWII history detailing the freeing of the only Nazi occupied area of the British Isles." Mr Crowson continues: "A document like this really brings home the suffering of the Channel Islanders during the German Occupation, some 2,300 of whom were deported to German prison and internment camps. By the time of the Liberation in 1945, many were close to starvation. "The essential role played by the men and women involved in Operation Nestegg, and their story of freedom, cannot be underestimated. And the fact that the document came to light in the 80th anniversary year of Liberation Day makes it even more special."
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.
