THIS year's anniversary celebrations commemorating the liberation of
Normandy paid poignant tribute to the men who gave their lives during
Operation Overlord. In May next year, there will be celebrations on a
British island, that is not part of the United Kingdom, yet was invaded
by the German Reich.
On the morning of July 1, 1940, the Luftwaffe dropped a message to the
Chief of the Military and Civil Authorities on Jersey's airfield calling
on the island to surrender. They were to signify their willingness by
hanging out white flags and painting white crosses in prominent places,
including Royal Square.
The tokens of surrender were duly displayed and a detachment of naval
assault troops and a company of infantry were flown in. In the late
afternoon troop carriers arrived and German officials were met at the
airport by the Bailiff, Government Secretary, and Attorney-General.
Soldiers were billeted in several hotels, anti-aircraft posts were
established, and many public buildings commandeered. The occupation of
Jersey had commenced.
During almost five years of occupation Jersey suffered food shortages
and information blackouts. The only source of news was from concealed
radio sets -- the BBC acting as a lifeline.
On May 8, 1945, the people of Jersey were told that the Prime
Minister, Winston Churchill, would broadcast to the island at 3pm.
Everyone knew that the German surrender was imminent, but it took this
announcement by the Bailiff of Jersey, which had been agreed by the
Germans the day before, to convince the people of Jersey that Liberation
Day had come.
The Channel Islands belonged to the Duchy of Normandy from 933 AD and
when William became King of England in 1066 he continued to rule them as
Duke of Normandy. To this day, when the loyal toast is proposed it is to
''The Queen, our Duke''. Channel Islanders are quick to point out that,
not only are they not part of the United Kingdom; that they are
absolutely independent of Parliament and Westminster; that they are
self-governing; but if all came to all, England is one of their
possessions and it has been, ever since the conquest of 1066, and not
the other way round.
With a surface area of just 45 square miles, Jersey lies 100 miles to
the south of Bournemouth and a mere 14 miles from the nearby French
coast. It is this proximity to France which has given the island so much
of its Norman flavour and characteristics.
Situated on the edge of the Gulf Stream, Jersey enjoys a relatively
mild climate with one of the best sunshine records in the British Isles.
Although separated by only five miles, the north and south coasts are
quite different. To the north are sheer cliffs, tiny inlets, picturesque
fishing harbours and lobster-haunted rocks; peaceful beaches, too --
mostly small and remote like Bouley Bay and Bonne Nuit. In the south,
the sandy beaches are vast and open with safe bathing, and those of St
Aubin, St Clement, Portelet, St Brelade, and Beau Port are ideal for the
family.
Jersey probably has more good restaurants per square mile than
anywhere else in the British Isles. The proximity to France has played a
large part in creating this gastronomic haven. Fish and seafood caught
around local shores are unforgettably good -- and home-grown delicacies
such as strawberries, new potatoes, tomatoes and cream help the island's
creative chefs to achieve the high standards so often featured in
good-food guides.
Situated at the eastern end of the expansive St Aubin's Bay is St
Helier, with its old Victorian terraces playing backdrop to the lively
harbour with its vast array of yachts. Looking out to sea, Elizabeth
Castle, given its name by Sir Walter Raleigh in honour of Queen
Elizabeth I, dominates the skyline. High above St Helier, Fort Regent, a
former military garrison, is the island's main entertainment and
conference centre.
Walking along the streets of St Helier you come across elegant shops
and restaurants, quaint pubs and cosmopolitan wine-bars. Entertainment
for all ages is available from the smartest discos to the best in
old-time music-hall and jazz. During the summer season top names appear
nightly in the Opera House.
Travelling through narrow country lanes which link the island's 12
parishes, keeping to the 40mph speed limit, you can savour this part of
Britain where spring comes a little earlier, summer seems endless, and
autumn hangs around.
Jersey's main attractions have received international awards and
recognition. Jersey Zoo, Gerald Durrell's unique sanctuary for rare and
endangered species, lies in the pretty gardens of the sixteenth-century
Les Augres Manor, and is it possible to see all of the 40-odd animals in
an afternoon visit. Likewise, the Jersey Museum can be experienced in a
morning. Laid on four compact floors, the museum offers a taste of the
traditions and history of the island through original objects and modern
hands-on technology which appeals to young children.
The newly opened Living Legend is a family-friendly attraction that
has a play area and street entertainers in addition to a
computer-controlled, three-dimensional show depicting key episodes and
historical figures from the island's past.
A living, breathing, three-dimensional attraction is Mont Orgueil
Castle. This imposing thirteenth-century fortress dominates the east
coast of Jersey. By day, this imposing edifice provides a dramatic
backdrop to the delightful fishing village of Gorey; at night, during
the summer months, it is floodlit, giving it an added dimension of
grandeur.
It is said that there are more millionaires per square mile in Jersey
than anywhere else in the world, and coach drivers delight in showing
off some of the magnificently-restored granite houses where tax exiles
pass their remaining years beside their paddocks and pools.
Sergeant Jim Bergerac's Jersey was portrayed as a hot spot of
international intrigue and murder. Whatever impressiom this television
series has left of Jersey, it seems to have caught the imagination of
the Scottish traveller, as they flock to Jersey as never before. Rather
than crime and corruption, today's visitors will find tranquil scenery,
a leisurely way of life, and good value holiday fun. Recent research has
shown that prices for a family with two children are cheaper in Jersey
than the equivalent holiday in Spain and on a par with Greece.
Victor Hugo, a former resident, described Jersey as ''a piece of
France fallen into the sea and grabbed up by the English''. Certainly
French flair abounds, from the food to the architecture and English
traditions are evident island-wide, but Jersey revels in a character all
of its own.
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