Although it was not publicised, some members of the public were there to watch the exercise. 

The exercise also gained international attention, becoming the most tracked aircraft on flightradar24 as it came into land.

In just a few minutes it climbed up the rankings from hundreds to thousands of people following its journey into Guernsey. 

The States said the RAF had already been carrying out training exercises in the Channel and that provided an ample opportunity to test the plan. 

It was organised by the Emergency Planning Team, who regularly work with the island's military liaison officers.

Guernsey Fire & Rescue and St John Ambulance & Rescue also simulated a patient transfer, with an ambulance backed up to the helicopter and a stretcher - complete with a volunteer casualty - wheeled inside and out of the aircraft. 

Pictured: The Chinook's route into the island. Credit: flightradar24. 

Dozens of police officers and civil protection volunteers were also on hand to marshal the exercise, with many people turning out to witness the spectacle from a safe distance. 

A boundary was set up around the landing site at 17:00, allowing a sweeper to clear loose gravel from the car park ahead of the Chinook's arrival. 

Officers were also tasked with warning people on the beach about the exercise. 

If a landing had been impossible the nearby playing fields were lined up as an alternative.  

Derek Howlett, Assistant Emergency Planning Officer, said the island must be prepared for a wide range of situations, but praised the emergency services and workers behind the scenes for a smooth exercise.

“We are fortunate to have a good relationship with our military liaison officers, and when we heard the RAF would be flying a Chinook to the Bailiwick, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to practise the backup plan for a medevac from Guernsey.

"The whole exercise went very smoothly, and, on a personal note, was very interesting to hold. I believe a number of members of the public also got to enjoy the spectacle.”