Liberation 80
May 2, 2025
In celebration of the Island’s 80 Years of Liberation, Jersey Post will be issuing a special message ‘80 Yrs Liberation’ on The Flag of Jersey Post & Go design. The stamps will be available to purchase online and from the Post & Go machine in Broadstreet from Thursday 8th May – Monday 12th May 2025.
About the occupation of Jersey
During the first year of World War II, western Europe fell to the forces of Nazi Germany and France was occupied. With their close proximity to the French mainland the Channel Islands were isolated and undefendable. On 1st July 1940 German troops arrived to take the surrender of Jersey and for the next five years Jersey was occupied under Nazi Germany.
Post office stories during the occupation
While Broad Street Post Office remained in operation, adapting its services under intense scrutiny, a new postal entity appeared in January 1941: German Field Post Office 372. Housed at 12–14 Beresford Street, this facility served the needs of the occupying forces exclusively and functioned independently from Jersey’s General Post Office.
The two systems operated in uneasy parallel, one serving civilians, the other the military. German soldiers received and sent mail through their own secure channels, bypassing local staff entirely. Despite this separation, the original Broad Street Post Office remained the beating heart of communication for islanders, with its staff continuing their duties under constant surveillance, upholding integrity and reliability in a time of mistrust.
Read more stories relating to the postal service under occupation here.
Liberation
With the final surrender of German forces in Europe on 8th May 1945, the war in Europe came to an end.
Winston Churchill made his now famous speech. Including the words “…and our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today”. This was greeted with so much excitement that the Bailiff, Alexander Coutanche, had to ask for patience and restraint among islanders.
The next day Royal Navy destroyer HMS Beagle arrived off the coast of Jersey and after accepting the surrender of the occupying forces, Colonel William Robinson took down the swastika that flew about the Pomme d’Or Hotel, and raised the Union flag, whilst first Jerseyman from the British forces Captain Hugh Le Brocq and his men made their way up to Fort Regent where they replaced the swastika there with the Union flag.
There were scenes of joyous celebration as the liberating British troops of Force 135 were welcomed ashore. Five long years of occupation and hardship were over and the people of Jersey were finally able to celebrate their freedom before undertaking the long task of rebuilding their home.
Liberation Day is celebrated each year on 9th May as the Island’s national day and in the years since the end of the war a pattern of official ceremonies has developed, based in and around Liberation Square and the Pomme d’Or Hotel in St Helier.
In 2025, a number of events are taking place across the island in celebration of 80 years of Liberation. 5 Years ago, Jersey Post issued Liberation 75 which illustrated a number of reenactments which take place in acknowledgement of the importance of freedom.
Jersey Post Liberation 80 Broad Street Display
Communication in the Occupation: The British Post Office in Jersey through stories, pictures & stamps, 1940-1945.
A display of stamps, pictures, original artwork and stories to commemorate the important role the Post Office played in keeping communications going during the Occupation.
Dates and Times:
- Tuesday 06 May 09.00am-5.00pm
- Wednesday 07 May: 08.30am-5.00pm
- Thursday 08 May: 08.30am-5.00pm
- Saturday 10 May: 08.30am-1.00pm