Sir Timothy Le Cocq
Bailiff of Jersey
WELCOME FROM THE BAILIFF OF JERSE Y
Today, as we mark the 80th anniversary of Jersey’s Liberation, we do so with a sense of pride, gratitude, and reflection.
My own memories of that time are not lived, but inherited - from family stories passed down with care and emotion. My mother was evacuated to Yorkshire as a child, and remembered returning to Jersey in 1945 to the “beautiful, beautiful” warmth of the Island sun. My father, unable to return home for five years, served in the Royal Navy and became part of Force 135 - the liberating troops who arrived in May 1945. His own brother, who had remained here during the occupation with my grandparents only recognised him as he marched past by the way he walked.
Stories like these - personal, fragile, and powerful - connect us to the past. They remind us not just of what was endured, but of what was valued: home, freedom, dignity, and resilience. They also remind us of the importance of memory, and of passing that memory forward.
Liberation Day is both a commemoration and a call to responsibility. We are now the custodians of these stories. It is up to us to ensure Liberation is not just a date on the calendar, but something we live, teach, and honour. To speak the names. To tell the truth. To stand for freedom, democracy and peace - values that remain as relevant and urgent today as they were in 1945.
For me this is a particularly poignant Liberation Day because it will be my last as Bailiff. It has been a privilege to speak of the themes of Liberation, the Jersey that I know, and that I have come to know even better, over the last five years, as a place of community, of service and of courage.
As we mark this 80th anniversary, let us stand together - not only as Islanders, but as guardians of a legacy. A legacy of endurance. Of hope. And of liberation.
Thank you all for being part of this day. Thank you for remembering. And thank you for helping to carry the memory forward.
Sir Timothy Le Cocq
FROM 10.30
Procession of marching contingents to Liberation Square.
Music will be provided by The Band of the Island of Jersey and La Ronde Concert Band. Songs by Jersey Festival Choir and the Musical Originals.
11:00
A special sitting of the States Assembly will commence in Liberation Square presided by the Bailiff. Connétable of St Martin, Connétable Karen Shenton-Stone will address the States Assembly.
11:20
Welcome and address by Sir Timothy Le Cocq, Bailiff of Jersey. Followed by a service of thanksgiving given by The Dean of Jersey, The Very Reverend Mike Keirle.
12:00
March past and motorcade opened with a flypast of military aircraft.
12.45
Liberation Party with musical entertainment will commence in Weighbridge Place.
FOLLOWED BY
• Re-enactment of Force 135 arrival into Liberation Square.
• Performance of Beautiful Jersey sung by Ms Omara Silvester of the Musical Originals.
• The National Anthem.
Reading Romans 12:9-18,21
Read by Revd Dawn Saunders, Chair of Methodist Church Channel Islands District & Superintendent of the Jersey Circuit
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.
The Dean introduces the prayers which are led by Canon Dominic Golding, the Catholic Dean:
Loving God, we celebrate and give you thanks for the end of hostilities that brought liberation to this Island 80 years ago today.
We thank you for the strong bonds between Islanders, within families and between friends that sustained this community through those dark years of occupation; for the service and sacrifice of all who made and still make our liberation possible; for the peace we have enjoyed and under which we have lived and for the reconciliation and partnership with those who were once enemies. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.
We pray for the breaking down of barriers that separate nations, communities and families from each other; for an end to war and the escalation of conflict and aggressive international policies that diminish and demean our common life. We pray for those who lead our nations and those who work towards overcoming evil with good. Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer.
We pray for our Island and for its leaders: for our Bailiff, Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, States Members and all who serve our community; for friendship and trust amongst us, for an appreciation of our interdependence and for a fresh understanding of your call to live in harmony with one another, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, For ever and ever, Amen.
Re-enactment
The key elements which took place on 9 May 1945 are revived in Liberation Square. You are warmly encouraged to cheer and applaud at the appropriate moments.
The arrival of two naval officers from HMS Beagle.
Two Royal Naval officers, Surgeon-Lt. Ronald McDonald and Sub-Lt. David Milln, represented today by Lt. Cdr. SCC Trevor Rayson RNR and Lt. SCC Ron Perchard BEM RNB, arrive in Liberation Square to be greeted by Captain Brian Nibbs RD*.
They enter the former Jersey Tourism building, passing a plaque which records the events of 1945, to fly the Union flag and then the Jersey flag from what 72 years ago was the Harbourmaster’s Office.
The re-enactors take on the role of Colonel Robinson and Captain Le Brocq and soldiers of the liberating force. The Union Flag is raised from the balcony of the Pomme d'Or Hotel.
Arrival of the Liberating Force.
A few moments later at Fort Regent the events of 1945 are repeated as a Union flag is raised high above St Helier.
Beautiful Jersey
The Musical Originals Singers, conducted by Imogen Nicholls MBE, with soloist Miss Omara Silvester. encapsulate the spirit of the islanders by singing the popular song ‘Beautiful Jersey’ accompanied by the Band of the Island of Jersey with the first verse being sung in Jèrriais:
Soloist –
Man Bieau P'tit Jèrri
Y'a un coin d'terre que j'aime, que j'n'oubliéthai janmais. Dans mes pensées tréjous preunmyi. Car jé n'vai rein à compather à ses bieautés Dans touos mes viages à l'êtrangi. Jèrri, man paradis, pus belle taque souos l'solé Qué j'aime la paix dé chu Jèrri! L'amour lé veurt, j'ai si envie dé m'en r'aller Èrvaie man chièr pétit pays.
Thank you
A great number of people have enabled this year’s Liberation 80 programme of events and activities, they include, but are not limited to:
further
Thanks
To all of the volunteers who have given up their time and expertise to keep us safe and entertain us today.
Proceeds from the sale of the limited edition commemorative Liberation 80 badges is being donated to Age Concern Jersey
