Guernsey plane hits car while landing
A plane hit a car while landing at Guernsey airport this week in 1954. Frank Le Fevre of St Saviours was driving along one of the roads that bordered the airport when the plane’s wheels struck his roof. The plane was a de Havilland Rapide, operated by British European Airways, under the control of Captain P Loat. He had six passengers onboard at the time, none of whom were injured. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for either the plane itself or Mr Le Fevre’s car. The aircraft was slightly damaged underneath, and the car suffered a dented roof and smashed windscreen. Mr Le Fevre suffered cuts to his head as a result.
Battery Mirus was test fired for the first time this week in 1942. The four guns that made it up had a range of 51km, and could rain down shells as far away as Flamanville at 3600km/h (2230mph). The Battery wasn't a single emplacement, but four, overlooking Guernsey's west coast from above the headland at L'Eree. They were supported by the range finding tower at Pleinmont.
The ill-fated, supposedly unsinkable Titanic passed Alderney this week in 1912. She was heading for the Atlantic a few hours after picking up passengers at Cherbourg. Rather than pass between the Channel Islands, the captain, Edward Smith, plotted a course north, by Braye Harbour. The sea that night was so calm that Alderney residents who had gathered on the harbour and coast to watch the ship pass could reportedly hear music coming from on-board. Titanic was illuminated along her full length. This gave the locals on Alderney a very clear view, where the harbour master let off fireworks to celebrate the passing. Fourteen Guernsey residents died in the RMS Titanic’s sinking, making up almost 1% of the 1503 total victims.
William Collings Lukis was born in Guernsey this week in 1817 and went on to write several renowned antiquarian books. He was an Indiana Jones of his day, recovering several hundred historical artefacts from archaeological sites, but later became a priest in Yorkshire.
Guernsey hosted its first Parkrun this week in 2016. Wherever it takes place, every Parkrun event is a 5km Saturday morning run. Guernsey’s own course is one of the most picturesque. Centred on Pembroke, it takes in the common and coastal footpaths, and expansive sea views. Guernsey’s local runners were joined by Parkrun visitors from the mainland. In total, 102 participants gathered at the start line. Visitor Clayton Barrett from Medway completed the course in the shortest time. He crossed the finish line just three seconds shy of 19 minutes.
This week in 1955, a school party from Diss arrived in Guernsey, but things didn't go according to plan, with one of the teachers falling over and breaking his arm. That unfortunate accident was not, happily, enough to stop the pupils visiting Sark, Lihou and Herm.
Meanwhile, over in Jersey…
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