The 50-page document for what was code-named Operation Nestegg, covers the plans in great detail, from the number of ships taking part, to mine-sweeping instructions for the surrounding seas.
The document is now set to go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers in Derby next Wednesday, with a guide price of £800-£1,200.
‘It’s an incredible story,’ said Matt Crowson, militia expert at the auctioneers. 'The document had been part of a dusty box of papers in a UK saleroom, the value of which was considered negligible.’
‘But on closer examination the vendor came across a piece of Second World War history detailing the freeing of the only Nazi-occupied area of the UK.’
The document, dated November 1944, reads: ‘The intentions of the Military Force Commander are to occupy the islands of Guernsey and Jersey as nearly simultaneously as possible by landing the occupying forces through the posts of St Peter Port (Guernsey) and St Helier (Jersey).’
Further instructions provide intricate details of the plan, including that soldiers would ‘embark and land in khaki working dress of regulation pattern’ with officers in working dress as convenient.
All personnel would carry large and small packs, two days of landing rations, a water bottle (filled to capacity), mackintosh (or oilskin) ground sheet and Army-type blanket.
Three 700-man battalions and engineer units were required for the mission, which was given the go-ahead on 8 May 1945.
The 40,000 German troops stationed in the islands surrendered the next day.
Mr Crowson said the document brought home the suffering of islanders during the Occupation, adding the ‘essential’ role played by the men and women involved in Operation Nestegg could not be underestimated.
‘The fact the document came to light in the 80th anniversary year of Liberation Day makes it even more special,’ he said.
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