'Brave' Guernsey WW1 soldiers to be commemorated

The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry held off a German counter-attack for three days in 1917

Guernsey officials will mark the island's "finest hour" during ceremonies being held in France.

The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry (RGLI) Trust said a series of memorial events would be held in Masnieres in northern France from 29 November to 2 December to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Les Rue Verte in World War One.

During three days starting on 30 November, 1917, the RGLI held off a counter-attack from German forces in Masnieres, near Cambrai, which allowed other British units to retreat safely.

It is believed more than 400 men from the RGLI were either killed, wounded or went missing during the battle.

A group from Guernsey including Lieutenant-Governor Lt Gen Richard Cripwell, Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon and relatives of RGLI veterans will be heading to Masnieres for the events, the trust said.

Among the events planned for this year's memorial include a remembrance service and wreath laying.

'Building something positive'

Chris Oliver, founder of the RGLI Trust, said the efforts of the troops in Masnieres during the battle had been described as "Guernsey's finest hour".

He added it was important to mark the anniversary because of the impact the war had on Guernsey and the bravery of those who fought in it.

"The war caused terrible losses, horror and deprivation for families left behind on the island," Mr Oliver said.

"Now through our shared memorials and exchange work in Guernsey and France, we're building something positive between our cultures from those terrible and brave actions of Guernsey’s own RGLI."