Members of 201 Squadron, HMS Daring and the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment all hold affiliations to the island and are returning for the 81st anniversary of the Liberation.
For the first time, members of the 16th Signal Regiment communications unit, will be in the island.
Locally-born Lt Colonel Andy Carre, who took up the post of commanding officer of the 4th Battalion PWRR ahead of last year’s 80th anniversary commemorations, will also return alongside 16th Signals Regiment’s commanding officer Lt Colonel Ash Jeyes MBE.
‘As a Guernsey local it is an enormous privilege to bring some of my regiment to the island to share in the remembrance activities, but also to enjoy the Liberation Day celebrations,’ said Lt Col Jeyes.
‘It also allows those of us serving to reconnect locally and share our thoughts on how rewarding and fulfilling a career in the British Army can be.’
In the week leading up to 9 May, visiting personnel will support community and charitable activity around the island, as well as visit schools and local youth organisations.
Members of the PWRR will volunteer with Festung Guernsey to dig out a Tobruk at Wn.Dohlenturm, L’Ancresse East, and help with ongoing work at Rue Maingys.
‘The Liberation Day Parade holds special significance not only for the local community, but also for local cadets and veterans, who always turn out in force,’ said Liberation Day parade commander Lt Commander Tim Slann.
‘To be joined by so many serving personnel from our affiliated military units is a real honour and will add greatly to this year’s parade.’
The Chelsea Pensioners and Gurkhas will also join the parade, which will march from the North Beach at 9.40am.
Islanders are invited to watch as the parade forms up on the seafront for inspection by Lt-Governor, Sir Richard Cripwell and Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon, at 10am, before proceeding via the Quay to the Town Church for the 11am Liberation Day church service.
Following the service, at noon the parade will march up the High Street via Smith Street to fall out in the Pollet.
Local uniformed youth organisations will march alongside visiting military personnel in the parade.
A contingent of local veterans representing all three services will also take part.
‘Remembrance carries a responsibility to learn the lessons of our past experiences and to ensure such things do not happen again,’ said Sir Richard.
‘On Liberation Day, we see where we have come from, who we are, and where we are going, which is a very special opportunity. I look forward to participating again this year.’
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