17th June 1940
General de Gaulle has lunch in Jersey while fleeing France
French statesman Charles de Gaulle spent the Second World War in Britain, from where he directed resistance fighters in his homeland. Understanding his importance, the RAF evacuated him from France on 17 June 1940, flying via Jersey where they stopped to refuel the de Havilland Dragon Rapide DH.89 that was carrying him. This allowed the General to get out, stretch his legs and eat lunch before continuing to the mainland and putting down at Heston, just outside London.
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Other events that occured in June
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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Odeon cinema opens for the first time
- Jersey’s first Odeon cinema opened in Bath Street on 2 June 1952. It had a capacity of almost 1,400 if every seat was sold.
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Jesse Boot, of Boots chemist, dies in Jersey
- Although founded by John Boot, Boots the chemist owes its early success to John’s son, Jesse, who died in Jersey, aged 81, in June 1931.
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Haut de la Garenne accepts its first boys
- The children’s home at Haut de la Garenne attracted unwelcome attention as the site of serious and sustained child abuse activities.
- Read more…
