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.
Other events tagged war
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Other events that occured in June
Arsonist is arrested after being burned by his own fire
- When Mr Collenette’s fancy jewellery and hair shop burned down in June 1887, the blaze was so fierce it could be seen right across St Helier.
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A flotilla of Jersey boats sets sail for Dunkirk
- Volunteers from the St Helier Yacht Club set sail for Dunkirk in June 1940 to help with the rescue of Alied soldiers.
- Read more…
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.
- Read more…
Victoria College’s first headmaster is born
- William George Henderson was the first headmaster of Victoria College, having been ordained a priest in 1859.
- Read more…
