Lt-Governor thanks Liberation veterans

Tuesday 05 May 2020

Liberation veterans who had been due to visit Guernsey as part of the original plans for the 75th anniversary have received letters of thanks from the Lieutenant-Governor.

The six veterans of Operation Nest Egg, the liberation of the Channel Islands in May 1945, had each made contact with the island with a view to being present at the commemorative events on 9 May.

They included Mr Stuart Snow, a former member of the Royal Navy who now lives in Australia, along with Mr Joe Coreless, a former Royal Marine from South Wales who saw action as a landing craft coxswain on both D-Day, in Normandy, and on 9 May 1945, in Guernsey. 

The Lieutenant-Governor has sent each of the veterans a personal letter, enclosing a commemorative 75^th anniversary pin badge, to thank them on behalf of islanders for the part they played 75 years ago in the restoration of their freedom.

Pictured: Lt-Gov Sir Ian Corder has written to the veterans of Operation Nest Egg who were due to visit as part of this years Liberation celebrations. 

Major Marco Ciotti, Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant-Governor, said the veterans were part of a decisive moment in recent Bailiwick history.

"It would have been particularly poignant for them be here for the 75^thanniversary. Sadly, the current pandemic has ruled that out, so His Excellency has personally expressed his gratitude to them on behalf of all islanders, and assured these veterans that Liberation Day remains the defining date in our calendar.’

"His Excellency has already received a reply from one of the veterans, who lives in the Wirral and served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, to pass on his thanks for the 75^th anniversary badge."

Pictured top: The letter sent to veterans.