Saturday 14 December 2024
Select a region
News

Walk to mark "bravery and sacrifice" in Battle of Jersey

Walk to mark

Tuesday 02 January 2024

Walk to mark "bravery and sacrifice" in Battle of Jersey

Tuesday 02 January 2024


An annual commemoration of the Battle of Jersey, which has become something of a tradition, is to take place this weekend.

Islanders have been gathering for more than a decade to mark the "bravery and sacrifice" of militia members who marched to St Helier to defend the island from a French invasion.

Every year, the Battle of Jersey walk commemorates the 1781 battle, which served as the basis for the 1784 John Singleton Copley painting, The Death of Major Peirson.

The Tate, which owns the painting, describes the battle as a "relatively minor victory" that "boosted national morale at a time when Britain’s American colonies were fighting for independence".

The re-enactment culminates in a display in St Helier and a re-enactment of the painting.

The walk is to be led by Jersey historian Ian Ronayne, a specialist in the Island's military history who also leads local walks and gives talks on the topic.

He said: "The Battle of Jersey is an event in our Island history of parallel importance to Liberation Day. 

copley_painting_battle_of_jersey_death_of_major_peirson.jpg

Pictured: The famous Copley painting, The Death of Major Peirson...

2023_battle_of_jersey_walk_by_jon_guegan_2.jpg

...and the 2023 reenactment. (Jon Guegan)

"Together, British soldiers and Jersey militiamen stood firm and defeated an invasion force come to claim Jersey for France. 

"But for their bravery and sacrifice the Island we live in today would surely be a totally different place. 

"So I’m delighted to be leading a commemorative walk again this year and telling the enthralling story of what happened on that historic day and important role played by the Jersey Militia."

St. Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft added: "The Battle of Jersey is an important part of the Island’s history, and it is important that we continue to commemorate the event every year to ensure that the history continues to live on through future generations of islanders."

Islanders who want to take part in the walk should gather at Trinity Parish Hall on Saturday 6 January at 8.15am for an 8.30am start.

Pictured - top: The Royal Jersey Militia took part in 2023. (Jon Guegan)

Sign up to newsletter

 

Comments

Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.

You have landed on the Bailiwick Express website, however it appears you are based in . Would you like to stay on the site, or visit the site?