Liberation 80 Brochure

Sir Timothy Le Cocq Bailiff of Jersey

WELCOME FROM THE BAILIFF OF JERSEY 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

liberation day On 8 May Winston Churchill made his now famous speech, which included the words:

... and our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today.”

This was greeted with so much excitement that the Bailiff, Alexander Coutanche, had to ask for patience and restraint among islanders.

In fact, it was early the following morning that a British destroyer was sighted coming into St. Aubin’s Bay and word spread that the Liberation of Jersey had begun. HMS Beagle anchored in the bay, and a launch brought two naval officers into the harbour where they were greeted by ecstatic crowds who lifted them onto their shoulders and took them down to the Weighbridge.

The arrival of the naval officers and the draping of the Union flag from the window of what was the Harbourmaster’s office beings the re-enactment today.

Today, the flags are flown again in a ceremony which will bring back memories of that happy day for the islanders who were here at the time.

Other poignant memories will be tinged with sadness, especially memories of those who were not to return home, having made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of freedom.

There were other patriotic Jersey men and women who could not be in St Helier to celebrate the coming of liberation, including those who were fighting in the Far East, those who had been deported and were awaiting repatriation, and those who had been evacuated to England before the Occupation had begun.

This year Liberation Day officially became Jersey’s National Day, a day where we come together to celebrate our way of life. A street party, music, dancing, and local food stalls all help us to celebrate Liberation Day.

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.

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.

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.

liberation day Service Welcome & Address Sir Timothy Le Cocq, Bailiff of Jersey.

Service of Thanksgiving The Dean of Jersey, The Very Reverend Mike Keirle.

Welcome On this the 80th anniversary of the liberation of these Islands, we have come together to thank God for our deliverance from tyranny and oppression, to remember the courage of those who lived through the dark days of occupation and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives to bring liberty to others; that we might use that hard-won freedom as agents of reconciliation and to help and support those who experience the despair of conflict, captivity and dictatorship.

Grace, mercy and peace be with you all.

ALL And also with you.

Hymn Guide me, O thou great redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty, hold me with thy powerful hand: bread of heaven, bread of heaven, feed me now and ever more, feed me now and ever more.

When I tread the verge of Jordan bid my anxious fears subside; death of death, and hell’s destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side: songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to thee, I will ever give to thee.

Open thou the crystal fountain whence the healing stream doth flow; let the fiery, cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through: strong deliverer, strong deliverer, be Thou still my strength and shield, be Thou still my strength and shield.

William Williams Tr. Peter Williams

Reading

Romans 12:9-18,21

Read by Revd Dawn Saunders, Chair of Methodist Church Channel Islands District & Superintendent of the Jersey Circuit 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.

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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.

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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.

Hymn O praise ye the Lord!

Praise him in the height; rejoice in his word, ye angels of light; ye heavens adore him by whom ye were made, and worship before him, in brightness arrayed.

O praise ye the Lord!

Thanksgiving and song to him be outpoured all ages along: for love in creation, for heaven restored, for grace of salvation, O praise ye the Lord!

O praise ye the Lord!

Praise him upon earth, in tuneful accord, all ye of new birth; praise him who hath brought you his grace from above, praise him who hath taught you to sing of his love.

Henry William Baker, based on Psalm 150

The blessing: The Dean of Jersey Where there is hatred: Where there is injury: Where there is discord: Where there is doubt: Where there is despair: Where there is darkness: Where there is sadness:

Let us sow love.

Let us offer pardon.

Let us create union.

Let us proclaim faith.

Led us give hope.

Let us shed light.

Let us bring joy, Amen.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always, 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.

The National Anthem Played by the Band of the Island of Jersey (all stand) God save our gracious King, Long Live our noble King, God save our King.

Send him victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God save The King.

Retiring Procession From the main stage in Liberation Square to the saluting dais in front of the Pomme d’Or Hotel to music performed by the Band of the Island of Jersey.

Please remain seated until after the retiring procession when you will be directed by stewards to leave the Square.

12:00

March past and Motorcade.

SS Vega Memorial Ceremony 13:15

Royal Square There will be a short service held to commemorate the aid delivered to the Island from the International Red Cross on the ship SS Vega which first arrived on December 30, 1944.

Aid was supported by the following countries Switzerland, Sweden, Portugal, New Zealand and Canada.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. Limited seating will be available.

SLAVE WORKERS MEMORIAL SERVICE The event will also be attended by overseas officials and families of those affected. Members of the public are warmly invited to attend.

15:00 Wreath Laying Ceremony Crematorium, Westmount In the presence of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, the Bailiff and Chief Minister. The ceremony will remember the 101 foreign forced workers of different nationalities and average age of 31 years, who perished in the island during the Nazi occupation.

The occasion will pay tribute to those service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to free the oppressed.

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.

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