Sacrifice of Guernsey soldiers to be remembered in France

Thursday, 3 October 2024 10:45

A significant commemoration of the loss of Guernsey soldiers during WW1 will take place in north-eastern France this November.

A Guernsey granite memorial to the members of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry who lost their lives at Les Rues Vertes was put up in 2017.

This was the 100th anniversary of the action that saw the regiment fend off several determined German counter-attacks during the Battle of Cambrai.

This year, dignitaries from Guernsey including the Lieutenant Governor, the Bailiff and the Education Committee president will pay their respects to those who died in north-eastern France.

Chris Oliver is the president of the RGLI Trust and says the direct descendants of some of those who lost their lives will also be there.

"We'll have some families who will go out to Masnieres whose relatives either fought there, or died there."

Mr Oliver says the memorial now attracts Guernsey people from around the world.

"The furthest they have come from is Australia. Robert Gee, a winner of the Victoria Cross. His grandson came from Victoria in Australia, last time."

The weekend of 30 November will include a walking tour, parade and service of remembrance led by Guernsey's Dean.

Chris Oliver says the work of the RGLI Trust includes arranging exchange visits:

"We're exchanging students between here and Masnieres. We keep these memorials alive, and we're actually getting something positive out of what was a very dark period for our island."