Crowds at the pomme d'Or at Liberation
That Was Jersey |
Local history for everyone |
CHANNEL ISLANDS |
The patient Islanders had waited, often with little reliable news of the war, for many long years. Eventually freedom came. The Island of Jersey was liberated on 9th May 1945, a day which has since been celebrated with thanksgiving, joy and relief by those who lived through those dark years, and by their descendants and by others who have made the Island their home.
The end of the war in Europe was settled on May 8th 1945, (known as "VE day" for "Victory in Europe") and declared to the British people in a speech by Winston Churchill. However the Channel Islands had to wait for the surrender of the occupying German forces on the following day.
The first British forces to land on the Island were greeted by relieved and happy crowds in what is now known as Liberation Square. Each year the scene is re-enacted. The Pomme d'Or featured prominently in the celebrations.
The sculpture in Liberation Square is perhaps the best known of the tangible memorials of that momentous day in Jersey history. It was unveiled for the 50th anniversary of Liberation. Kneelers in the parish church of St Lawrence also depict the joy of liberation. Other images include the illustration on local telephone directories and postage stamps.
Clearing the Island of military equipment left by the German forces was a huge task. Much of the work was done by German soldiers under the command of British troops. The local children were quick to put abandoned weapons to use for their own entertainment. These children were at Mont à l'Abbé.