Battle of Jersey: Events to mark 244th anniversary

Members of Jersey Militia at the commemoration event last year. The men are dressed in uniforms which are red and white. They are standing on a paved road. Properties are in the background.
A commemoration event took place at the Royal Square [BBC]

A commemorative walk to mark the 244th anniversary of the Battle of Jersey has taken place.

The battle took place on 6 January 1781 when Jersey acted as a military standpoint between Britain and France.

French soldiers captured St Helier in a dawn raid, where they were defeated by the British troops led by Major Peirson, who died in battle.

Historian Ian Ronayne said he was "delighted" to lead the event which began at St Martin's Church at about 08:15 GMT on Saturday.

'Parallel importance'

He said the event was of "parallel importance to Liberation Day".

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

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

The walking group made their way into St Helier to join an event in the Royal Square, which included speeches and a recreation of The Death of Major Peirson painting.

Two loud bangs then took place at 12:00 and 12:45 as the Jersey Militia fired musket rounds.

Speaking ahead of the event, St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft said: "I would highly recommend experiencing the re-enactment and getting involved with the history of our island."

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