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Popular historian and television presenter Dan Snow MBE is in Alderney today investigating a WWII gun, and is considering making a documentary on his findings.
A local team found the Batterie Blucher gun in a quarry over a year ago, and have been working with the States of Alderney and island CEO Andrew Muter to get the project moving.
The K18 guns of the Batterie Blucher are believed to have been involved in shelling allied ships in 1944, which led to the sinking of at least one American vessel ST-75. It is thought this incident could have been the motive behind HMS Rodney's attack on Alderney on 12 August 1944.
"Having heard rumours for years it is so exciting to finally be on Alderney to have a look for myself," said Mr Snow. "This is a first step. It would be extraordinary to team up and perhaps even bring the gun to the surface. Nothing connects people to their history like objects like this, retrieved from the depths!"
Mr Snow has been involved in a number of BBC documentaries about the Second World War and now has his own subscription television channel - 'History Hit TV'.
Although nothing has been confirmed yet, Mr Snow is visiting the island with a videographer and might make a documentary depending on his discoveries. He is diving the quarry today to get a better look at the gun.
"We are thrilled to have Dan on board," said leader of the Channel Island team Simon Livesey. "He can add so much value to what we are trying to achieve and what lies in wait for us in the quarry.
"We also want to thank the States of Alderney and CEO as well as James Lancaster of AEL for being so supportive of our team and efforts. This project has been going on for well over a year and it's exciting to now be able to make the news public.
"I have a great team alongside me of Bruno Kay-Mouat, Nigel Shaw, James Lancaster, Dr Trevor Davenport and Dan Snow. With this team I hope to raise the visibility of Alderney and its fascinating history. Maybe one day we will be able to get the gun out if we are able to raise the necessary funds.
"This could be really positive for the island. We are doing it for the island rather than ourselves."
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