28th May 1946
Corbiere’s assistant lighthouse keeper drowns
Corbiere lighthouse is cut off at high tide, and it’s easy to be caught out if you don’t keep watch. That’s what happened to a pair of English visitors on 28 May 1946. One of them made it safely to the shore, but his wife didn’t, and assistant keeper Peter Edwin Larbalestier set out to rescue her.
Despite knowing what the sea can be like there, Larbalestier was washed away, along with the unfortunate woman, and they were both drowned.
A plaque was erected in his honour close to the lighthouse, “In memory of Peter Edwin Larbalestier, assistant keeper at Corbiere Lighthouse who, on 28th May 1946, gave his life in attempting to rescue a visitor cut off by the incoming tide. Take heed all ye who pass by”.
Larbalestier was 34 years old when he died. His grave is in the yard of St Brelade’s parish church.
FREE Jersey history newsletter
Don't miss our weekly update on Jersey's fascinating history. We promise never to sell your data to anyone else, and there's a super-easy unsubscribe link on the bottom of each email so you can leave whenever you want.
Other events that occured in May
St Brelade’s Church is consecrated
- Although the church at St Brelade was consecrated in the 12th century, evidence suggests a building had resided on that spot for some time.
- Read more…
A waiter is arrested for theft
- Samuel White was arrested in St Helier and flown back to the mainland for converting cheques for his own use, and spending the money on rent.
- Read more…
The Co-operative movement is born in Jersey
- The Co-operative Society was established after a 23 May meeting at the Oddfellows Hall and opened its office at New Street one month later.
- Read more…
Princess Royal opens Zoo’s visitor centre
- As a patron of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Princess Anne visited Jersey to open the zoo’s new visitors centre.
- Read more…
