Sark celebrates Liberation Day

Sark Liberation Day

The Channel Island of Sark has marked the 79th anniversary of its liberation from German forces during World War Two.

The Channel Islands were occupied from 1940 until 9 May 1945, with Sark liberated a day later on 10 May.

Celebrations began at 09:00 BST, when an assembly presentation was held at Sark School, organisers said.

Sark also marked Liberation Day with a silence held at the Men of Sark memorial for members of the public.

'Pay my respects'

The island was liberated a day later than Jersey and Guernsey to allow time for British soldiers to sail across.

Guernsey resident Geoff Le Gallez said: "I always come here on 10 May, it's my birthday.

"I bring my daughter and I pay my respects to their liberation...

"I've done it for a good few years now and I'm going to continue to do it."

Geoff Le Gallez travels to Sark to pay his respects

Linda Adams, who was four years old during the Occupation, said the commemoration "brings home" what happened.

She said: "Of all the hardships that we went through, not that I can recall being underprivileged because that was the norm, I mean our parents kept us and we carried on life as usual.

"It does mean, it brings it home just how much did happen."

Proceeds raised from the Liberation Day quiz at the Island Hall will go towards next year's commemorations.

Organisers said more events would be held in 2025 for the 80th anniversary.