In a letter sent to the British Channel Islands World War Two Remembrance Campaign, Sir Richard McMahon acknowledged Brigadier Snow’s pivotal role in the liberation of the islands, but suggested that any lasting recognition should reflect the collective effort behind the islands’ freedom.
The response follows a movement launched by campaign leader Kevin South after the discovery earlier this year that Brigadier Snow’s ashes were scattered in an unmarked communal grave at Taunton Deane Crematorium in Somerset.
Mr South had written to the Bailiffs of both islands asking for support to establish a permanent remembrance for Brigadier Snow, who was the officer who formally proclaimed the islands’ liberation on 9 May 1945 by reading King George VI’s message to islanders.
The response from the Bailiff’s chambers recognised Brigadier Snow’s leadership of liberating Force 135 and his importance to the Island’s history, but stressed that the liberation was the work of many servicemen and women.
‘The liberation of the Channel Islands was indeed a considerable task and a lengthy one which was supported by HM Government and various parts of HM Armed Forces as a vital process to demilitarise the islands and return them all to civilian rule and normality,’ wrote Sir Richard.
‘This was carried out by numerous people and it may not be appropriate to focus on just one person, even someone of Brigadier Snow’s stature.
‘To acknowledge that Brigadier Snow played an important role in the liberation of Guernsey, the rest of this Bailiwick, and Jersey, it may be appropriate to have some or memorial in his home town or possible at his final resting place which is recognised by all the Channel Islands.’
He pointed out to Mr South that Guernsey has a blue plaque scheme and suggested that it could be possible to have his contribution recognised here at an appropriate location in St Peter Port.
‘I think think Brigadier Snow would be a worthy recipient of a blue plaque,’ said Sir Richard.
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