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Plans to officially remember Brigadier who liberated Channel Islands after breakthrough in establishing final resting place of

CAMPAIGNERS are hailing a breakthrough in establishing the final resting place of Brigadier Alfred Ernest Snow, the commander of Force 135, the British and Commonwealth force that liberated the Channel Islands in May 1945.

Brigadier Alfred Snow reading the proclamation of King George VI, restoring the King’s rule and establishing his role as military commander of the Channel Islands on the steps of Elizabeth College in May 1945. 						 (Picture: Muggeridge, Daily Sketch)
Brigadier Alfred Snow reading the proclamation of King George VI, restoring the King’s rule and establishing his role as military commander of the Channel Islands on the steps of Elizabeth College in May 1945. (Picture: Muggeridge, Daily Sketch) / Supplied pic

The British Channel Islands WWII Remembrance Campaign has said that little was known about what had happened to Brigadier Snow, one of the most important figures associated with the Liberation.

As commander of Force 135, he led the force responsible for liberating the Islands after almost five years of German occupation. He was also a key British official involved in accepting the German surrender in the Channel Islands.

Following liberation, Brigadier Snow was appointed Military Governor of the Channel Islands by King George VI and was entrusted with overseeing the restoration of British administration and the transition from military to civilian rule.

The campaign’s investigation began with enquiries to St Mary Magdalene Church, Winsford, Somerset, where Brigadier Snow retired after leaving military service, but he was not buried within its churchyard. Examination of probate records revealed that Brigadier Snow had requested cremation. Further enquiries with Somerset Council have now confirmed that following his death in 1983, aged 85, his ashes were laid to rest within the Gardens of Remembrance at Taunton Deane Crematorium.

Kev South from the campaign said that the discovery represented an important step in ensuring that the contribution of Brigadier Snow and Force 135 is properly remembered.

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