8th May 1947
Jersey hosts UK’s first post-war Grand Prix
British driver Reg Parnell won the 1947 Jersey International Road Race, considered to be the first Grand Prix race held in the United Kingdom following the Second World War. Like the second-placed driver, Frenchman Louis Chiron, he was driving a Maserati. There had been much speculation in the weeks leading up to the event that it would prove to be the fastest road race in Europe, with cars reaching 150mph on the straights – in particular the A2 running along St Aubin’s Bay.
The race, which covered 160 miles and had a £1000 prize fund, saw only 13 of the original 25 entrants cross the finish line. Prince Birabongse Bhanudej, better known as Prince Bira of Siam, had also entered, again in a Maserati, but dropped out at the halfway point.
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Other events that occured in May
Arson is suspected in a long-running marital dispute
- A woman seemingly had a cast-iron alibi as she was 45 minutes away when the fire of which she was accused of starting began.
- Read more…
Feminist and journalist Rosie Boycott is born
- Jersey-born Rosie Boycott founded one of the most important feminist publications ever produced, and edited several newspapers.
- Read more…
The 95th Regiment of Foot is disbanded
- The 95th Regiment of Foot was founded on 23 July 1779 when France entered the American War of Independence on America’s side.
- 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…
