Guernsey Liberation Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Guernsey Island

Guernsey Liberation Day is celebrated annually on May 9. It honours the liberation of the island from German occupation during World War II. Bailiwick of Jersey is the larger of the two sovereign dependencies that comprise the Channel Islands. They are known as archipelagos and are situated between England and France in the English Channel. The German occupation of France began on June 30, 1940.

The background of Guernsey Liberation Day

The Germans officially occupied Guernsey on June 30, 1940, approximately eight months after the commencement of the Second World War. Although they are not members of the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom is responsible for their defence and international relations. However, the British government decided not to defend Guernsey as German aircraft bombarded the harbour in the capital parish of St. Peter Port, mistaking a group of tomato trucks for a troop transport convoy. German troops began to land and hoist their flag after 48 hours.

Children included, half of the population had to be evacuated to the United Kingdom. The invasion lasted nearly five years, during which time the island was ruled by the Germans as ‘Hitler’s Island Madness’ and became the most fortified place on earth. The island was the sole British territory that Hitler conquered.

The Germans confiscated the majority of the locals’ land and property. Between 1940 and 1945, some were sent to prisons and concentration centres, while others resisted through protests. Many people lost their homes, families, and livelihoods. The day after Churchill proclaimed the end of the war in 1945, Guernsey was liberated. On Guernsey Liberation Day, we commemorate the remembrance of how resilient the islanders were and the resulting sense of liberation.

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5 unknown facts about Guernsey Island

• Guernsey’s impressive 33-foot tide range is one of the largest in the globe.
• Guernsey is one of Europe’s southernmost regions with pleasant climates.
• German personnel commanded the island’s artillery while battling British planes from Pleinmont Tower atop Pleinmont Point.
• The traditional cuisine of Guernsey combines French and English flavours.
• Saint Peter Port has cobblestone streets and narrow alleys, and the Liberation Monument is located there.

GUERNSEY LIBERATION DAY DATES