Inside 'Operation Nestegg'...

Monday 16 March 2020

A local author and historian is releasing a special edition of a 26-year "labour of love" giving the inside story on how soldiers planned and trained for one of the most significant events in Jersey's history.

Mark Lamerton will be releasing 500 copies of a special commemorative edition of ‘Liberated by Force 135’ on 20 March.

The author said his book has been 26 years in the making. His interest in the Liberation of the Channel Islands first began in 1994 when he was living in South Wales and planning to return to Jersey for the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation in 1995. 

“I realised that I didn’t know much about this important period of Channel Island history,” Mr Lamerton said. "My interest soon developed into a long-term research project of Force 135 and Operation ‘Nestegg’ from September 1943 to August 1945.” 

Pictured: Mark and Sue Lamerton with the two volume book.

Over the years, he has met many veterans of Force 135, as well as their relatives, over the years. He also spoke those who experienced 9 May 1945 first-hand, while other historians, military enthusiasts, students and inquisitive visitors have been “invaluable” to his research. 

In 2000, Mr Lamerton published his first book focusing on the period from September 1943 to 30 May 1945 ‘Liberated by Force 135’, which some described as the “definitive history of the Liberation of the Channel Islands”.

“Since my last publication in 2000, Liberated by Force 135,  I have continued my research, not only adding new information to my original manuscript, but also completed additional chapters covering the period between June and August 1945,” Mr Lamerton said.  

Pictured: The first Liberators ashore on 9 May at the Albert Pier, Surgeon-Lieutenant Ronald McDonald and Sub-Lieutenant David Mill.

The new edition describes the planning of Operation ‘Nestegg’, the training and objectives of Force 135, as well as the reoccupation, reorganisation and rehabilitation of the Channel Islands between September 1943 and 31 August 1945. 

Every chapter includes an extensive reference section, giving details and references of the documents used for ease of access by the reader as well as the source of the images used to accompany the text.

“This publication is a ‘must have’ for those with a passion for this unique period of Channel Island history,” Mr Almerton said. “I hope those reading this publication enjoy it as much as I have researching it over the years.”

Pictured: Mr Lamerton spent 26 years researching the Liberation of the Channel Islands.

The book - which Mr Lamerton explained was self-funded and published, but not a profit-making venture - comes in a two-volume set, with each volume containing approximately 600 pages with several illustrations throughout.

“It is a labour of love and the reward is to see my twenty-six years of research in print," he said.

“The importance of Liberation Day must never be forgotten so that 9 May is kept as Jersey and Guernsey’s special day for future generations to enjoy their freedom; a day of joyous celebration and peaceful reflection.”