Liberation 80 display unveiled at Guernsey Airport

A special Liberation 80 display has been unveiled at Guernsey Airport. Featuring two original motor vehicles loaned by the Guernsey Military Vehicle group, the display also contains information introducing visitors to the history of Guernsey’s Occupation and eventual Liberation from German forces.

The two vehicles on display are a Harley-Davidson WLA - a military motorcycle produced during World War II which earned the nickname “Liberator” in Europe as it was often seen during the liberation of occupied territories - alongside a Cushman Airborne Scooter - a compact and rugged vehicle also known as the Model 53 which was designed to be airdropped by parachute or carried by glider to support Allied paratroopers during World War II.

The display is completed by bunting created by the Guernsey Liberation Community Bunting Project. Volunteers across the island have been participating in the project, which is being led by Megs Bailey and will also see enough bunting crafted to stretch across the St. Peter Port seafront for 9 May.

Paul Bourgaize from the Guernsey Military Vehicle Group, said;

“The Guernsey Military Vehicle Group is delighted to be able to work with the States of Guernsey to create this Liberation 80 themed display in the airport terminal. This is a great lead-in to the other events we have planned around Liberation Day, which includes visits to schools, care homes and parish celebrations as well as an island tour of various fortifications. All this culminating in the largest cavalcade and display of historic military vehicles the island has ever seen”.

Steve Langlois, Head of Passenger Operations & Aviation Security, Guernsey Ports, said:

“Guernsey Ports is delighted to provide space in the airport terminal to promote the Liberation 80 celebrations. We know how important and poignant this anniversary is to the Bailiwick of Guernsey, and we want to ensure that everyone travelling by air has the opportunity to be reminded of this special celebration and what it means to islanders. It is also a fantastic opportunity for visitors to find out more about Guernsey’s wartime history and the story of our Liberation.”