Channel Islands prepare for disaster
Guernsey Airport construction begins + Guernsey Police established
Guernsey Airport construction begins
The building of Guernsey Airport started this week in 1937 and was scheduled to take two years to complete. The initial budget was £90,000, but there was a slight overspending with the project coming in at £100,500.
The original plans did not include the concrete runway present today; instead, the airport had four grass landing strips and a smaller terminal building. The longest runway was 930m (3060ft), which is shorter than the current single runway of 1583m (5194ft). The new airport marked a transition from the low ground at L’Eree to the current site at La Villaize, which sits 102m (366ft) above sea level.
The airport was opened on 5th May 1939 by the Minister for Air, Sir Kingsley Wood, but regular civilian air services didn’t began until late 1946, following the occupation.
Emergency services prepare for disaster
Guernsey's emergency services were participating in a four-day operation called Exercise Resilient Islands this week in 2017. It was the largest major incident exercise ever held in the Channel Islands.
The exercise was built around a scenario in which a fictional high-speed craft collided with a cruise ship, resulting in both vessels, carrying 4000 people, sustaining serious damage. The emergency services, working with actors who posed as passengers with simulated injuries, conducted various rescue operations to simulate a real-life emergency response.
The exercise was considered a success, and emphasised the importance of preparedness for rare but significant disasters.
Guernsey Police established
Guernsey established its first island-wide police force this week in 1915 in response to the outbreak of the First World War. Prior to this, a less official network of constables had patrolled the various parishes, with their role formalised in the 1800s.
The new island-wide force included two sergeants, two corporals, and eleven constables, with additional constables seconded from the St Peter Port force. Chief Inspector Edwin Green, previously of the Metropolitan Police, directed the new force.
Despite the establishment of the island-wide force, parish constables continued to work alongside them until 1919 when most of their powers were transferred to the island-wide force.
Guernsey’s hero mariner
Baron James de Saumarez, born this week in 1757, was a prominent figure in the Royal Navy, known for his significant contributions to various major battles. He was born as James Sausmarez but dropped the second "s" when he joined the navy at the age of 13.
Throughout his naval career, de Saumarez participated in the American War of Independence, the Battle of Saintes, and engagements in Portugal, Spain, and Egypt. He also played a crucial role in repelling a French invasion of Guernsey and was recognized for his bravery and achievements.
De Saumarez rose through the ranks to become Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom and later Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth. In honour of his legacy, the title Baron de Saumarez was created five years before his death in 1836.
Victor Hugo’s love letter to Guernsey
It tells the story of Gilliatt, who endeavours to save a wrecked boat in hopes of marrying the boat owner's adopted daughter. Despite being overshadowed by his more famous work "Les Miserables," "Toilers of the Sea" has endured over time as a blend of love story, adventure, and tragedy.
Hugo, already a renowned writer by the time of its publication, chose artistic integrity over financial gain when he declined a substantial offer to publish the book in instalments. Its reception was initially subdued, with inevitable comparisons to "Les Miserables." However, it sold well and has earned itself a place in literary history.
Occupying forces’ desperate raid
Occupying forces launched a desperate raid on the French port of Granville this week in 1945, in an attempt to secure much-needed supplies, particularly coal, for the German forces stationed in Guernsey. The raid was part of Germany's efforts during a bleak period in the war when they were facing significant challenges.
Despite managing to access the port and damage several Allied ships, the raid was not entirely successful. The Allies fought back, resulting in casualties on both sides, with the Germans losing six men and the Allies losing 22. Ultimately, the Germans were only able to take a single load of coal, falling short of their intended goal. The Channel Islands were liberated two months later.