Re-enactment of 1945 British forces arrival to take place on Liberation Day
The 80th anniversary of Guernsey's Liberation will give islanders a flavour of the moment when Guernsey was freed from occupation in 1945, through a historical re-enactment of Force 135's arrival on the island.
Organised by the Guernsey Military History Company, the living history performance will recreate the arrival of Force 135, the British military task force who were responsible for the liberation of the Channel Islands from German occupation.
The event will take place at 5pm from the Albert Pier on 9th May, and feature HMS Medusa and Rummy III (HMSFlycatcher) with Guernsey Petroleum Distributors Ltd (GPD) sponsoring the fuel for the visiting craft.
Mat Broughton, from GPD and a representative of Guernsey Military Motors & Cycles (GMMC) said:
"It's a privilege for GPD to play a part in helping bring history to life for the community and we hope that this event will give people a real sense of what it was like when British forces arrived to restore our freedom 80 years ago.
"GMMC will have a display set up on Albert Pier all day, with vintage British WW2 military vehicles and motorcycles providing a glimpse into wartime life.'
Russell Doherty, Guernsey Military History Company and organiser of the re-enactment, said:
"Force 135 was the British military task force responsible for the liberation of the Channel Islands from German occupation, composed of elements from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.
"This re-enactment will be a moving tribute to those who lived through the occupation and a way for all generations to connect with this pivotal moment in Guernsey's history."
Deputy Sue Aldwell, Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, said:
"We're thrilled to have this re-enactment as part of the wider Liberation Day celebrations. Islanders will also get to experience performances from the Bugles and Drums of the Stedfast Association and 40s vocal duet The Vibettes to add to the atmosphere."
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