Liberation: The Aftermath – Part 1

Liberation: The Aftermath – Part 1

12 May 1945: The main liberation force arrives

As promised by Lieutenant Colonel Robinson, the small British force landing on 9 May was just the vanguard of those allotted the task of taking Jersey back from Nazi control.

While Islanders welcomed their first liberators, the remaining 6,000 members of Force 135 diligently prepared to board the assembled fleet of vessels bound for the Channel Islands. Those destined for Jersey were due to arrive on 12 May 1945.

From early that morning, excited Islanders again gathered in St Helier and thronged the seafront ready to witness and welcome the promised incoming troops. The Bailiff had declared 12 May an impromptu public holiday, allowing everyone that had endured th'e toils of occupation to fully enjoy the triumph of liberation.

They didn't have long to wait. Clearing mists revealed a flotilla of grey Royal Navy vessels quietly anchored in St Aubin's Bay, or busily churning towards the shore.

After securing Elizabeth Castle at 8.30am, a first group of small landing craft entered St Helier Harbour. With police struggling to hold back a huge enthusiastic crowd of onlookers, the leading craft dropped its ramp to ground on the lifeboat ramp near the base of Victoria Pier.

Others swiftly followed, disgorging their complement of fully armed troops to the welcoming shouts of those watching. A group of remarkable vehicles followed, amphibious DUKWs that to the surprise of local onlookers roared out of the water and onto land.

Later, at around 10.30am, three larger landing craft entered the harbourbringing hundreds more troops to swell liberating ranks. Accompanied by welcoming thanks and cheers, they fanned out to secure the Island.

Those troops remaining in St Helier provided an honour guard for a special event planned that evening. At 6.00pm, Islanders gathered in the Royal Square once more, this time to witness a stirring Proclamation Ceremony. From a hastily erected stage, the commanding officer of liberating forces, Brigadier Snow, read out a message from George VI.

`To my most loyal people in the Channel Islands, I send you my heartfelt greetings; the King wrote,
"...with all my peoples, I cordially welcome you on your restoration to freedom and to your rightful place with the free nations of the world."