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WATCH: Landing of Force 135 is re-enacted at Albert Pier

The daughter of a man who was among the first soldiers to land in Guernsey was brought to tears by the re-enactment of the landing of Force 135.

During the re-enactment, two boats of British soldiers pulled up alongside the Albert Pier and the soldiers jumped onto the slipway.
During the re-enactment, two boats of British soldiers pulled up alongside the Albert Pier and the soldiers jumped onto the slipway. / Guernsey Press/Sophie Rabey

Kathryn Gibson, who now lives in Devon, visited the island with her husband Peter for Liberation Day and to watch the re-enactment.

On the morning of 9 May 1945, British Task Force 135 landed in Guernsey to free the island from German occupation.

Some soldiers arriving were from Guernsey and were recognised by people in crowds – one of whom was Mrs Gibson’s father, John David Langlois, who was in the Navy.

‘My father was on the boat that came in. He’s on so many pictures, posters and flags here.

Kathryn Gibson and husband Peter have came over to Guernsey from Devon.
Kathryn Gibson and husband Peter have came over to Guernsey from Devon. / Guernsey Press/Sophie Rabey

‘When he came ashore, his sister spotted him in the crowd. He was marching and she ran over and grabbed him.’

Mr Langlois’ sister Alice McCormack stayed in the island during the Occupation.

‘I feel very emotional by this, but very, very proud,’ said Mrs Gibson.

‘We came for the Liberation, but this was the bit I really wanted to see.’

Watch: Force 135 arrive at Albert Pier

During the re-enactment, two boats of British soldiers pulled up alongside the Albert Pier and the soldiers jumped onto the slipway.

Dressed in the attire of the time, the re-enactors remained in character on land, acting out the conversations they would have had with officials on the island, and handing out cigarettes.

‘I haven’t had one of these in years,’ said one woman who was greeting the British force.

The Albert Pier, Crown Pier and entire seafront were filled with crowds of people watching the re-enactment, with others on board boats in the harbour.

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