28th June 1940
German planes attack St Helier
Nobody in the British government thought to tell Germany that it had demilitarised the Channel Islands. Thus, in advance of its invasion and occupation, Germany sent in a squadron of bombers, which dropped its payload on both St Helier and St Peter Port harbours. Nine locals were killed in the Jersey raid, which also struck La Rocque, and several others were injured.
Several killed and injured
The official Home Office announcement stated, “at least six persons were killed and several more were injured in Jersey, while, in Guernsey, 23 persons were killed and 36 injured. As stated last night, the Channel Islands have been demilitarised and all armed forces and equipment have already been withdrawn.”
Not only were the forces stationed in the Channel Islands moved back to the mainland: so was anything that could have been of use to German troops when the inevitable invasion took place, including tomato and potato crops.
Intention to kill
Many mainland newspapers carried the same report of the raid, in which locals said that the aircraft had approached from high altitude but swept down so low that it was evident their intent was to kill civilians, many of whom had stopped to watch the unexpected, approaching planes.
An unnamed correspondent was quoted as saying that three raids had taken place. Together, they lasted two hours and caused considerable damage to several hotels, a timber store and a coal yard, requiring the attendance of the fire brigade. The German aircraft remained in formation throughout the attack.
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Other events that occured in June
Corbière Lighthouse is used for the first time
- When the lighthouse at La Corbiere was first used, on 3 June 1874, it had to be lit by hand. It is now solar powered.
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Victoria College’s first headmaster is born
- William George Henderson was the first headmaster of Victoria College, having been ordained a priest in 1859.
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Princess Margaret visits Jersey
- Almost ten years to the day after her sister’s visit, Princess Margaret came to Jersey. It what was, quite literally, a flying visit.
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Building work starts on St Aubin on the Hill
- The Bishop of Guildford laid the foundation stone of St Aubin on the Hill, St Brelade’s Anglican church, on 4 June 1889.
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