Long-awaited visit is ‘momentous occasion’
LIBERATION Day marked a particularly special celebration for the family of the first British soldier to land on Guernsey on 9 May 1945.
The three children of Sgt-Major Robert Shaw – who landed at L’Ancresse Bay as part of Task Force 135, planned to come to the island in 2020 for the 75th anniversary but were unable to due to Covid restrictions.
Visiting from Scotland, they, along with two of Mr Shaw’s grandchildren, said their long-awaited visit was a momentous occasion.
‘He spoke about Guernsey all the time,’ said Martin Shaw.
They were part of the cavalcade on Monday, sitting in one of the classic vehicles at the front of the line.
‘To actually do it ourselves and follow in his footsteps was incredible. The smiles and looks on the kids’ faces was amazing,’ said Mr Shaw.
His sister, Mary Currie, was tearful when recalling the memories of her father, who died in 2005, just before he was due to pay a visit to Guernsey for the 60th anniversary of Liberation.
‘It is amazing that Guernsey still wants to honour it 77 years on, that really gets to me. We really felt his presence here,’ she said.
‘Everyone has been so welcoming and warm and just could not do enough for us. All the houses and hotels having bunting up and still carrying on the tradition is great.’
She said they will definitely make more trips to Guernsey in the future.
The family rode along with Guernsey Military Vehicle Group events secretary Laura Dyer, who they asked to wear some of their father’s military medals.
Mr Shaw maintained his connection with Guernsey after the war, returning in 1992 to receive a medal and speaking regularly about his time in the island.
His job on arrival in 1945 was to check the beach was clear before his regiment followed on.
