Jersey Liberation - 80th Anniversary Celebrations - B'ham

The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by German forces during the Second World War. As Hitler ordered Jersey to be transformed into an impregnable fortress, hundreds of bunkers, anti-tank walls and tunnel complexes were built, traffic had to drive on the other side of the road and the island was moved to Central European time.
When news broke out that the German army had surrendered in May 1945, Winston Churchill soon crackled onto the airwaves, uttering the words 'our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today.' Jubilant crowds greeted the liberating forces, and the Union Jack was hoisted at Pomme d'Or for the first time in five years. This glorious day is commemorated every year in Jersey, and on this break we join in with the island's celebrations. We also explore the traces of the German occupation scattered across the island with a specialist guide, and discover fascinating insights into the lives of Jersey's residents during 1940-45.What's Included?
Includes- Return flights to Jersey- Airport taxes & luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)- Airport transfers in Jersey- 5 nights at a selected hotel in St Helier (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Welcome meeting- Jersey World War II Tour- Entrance to Jersey War Tunnels- Free time in St Helier to enjoy the festivities, parade & procession- Services of a resort representative

Itinerary
ItineraryDay 1We fly to Jersey and transfer to our hotel in St Helier.Day 2 - Jersey World War II TourThis morning we head to Noirmont Point, the most southerly headland in Jersey. Overlooking Portelet Bay with stunning views, the area was the ideal location to mount powerful guns. Work started in 1941 and the construction of Batterie Lothringen was finally completed in May 1944. The M-132 Underground Command Bunker was also built in the same area, which extends to a depth of 40ft. The bunker has been magnificently restored and offers a fascinating insight into the defence of the island from any Allied attacks.Located in the north west of the island is Les Landes. Overlooking the other Channel Islands and comprised of four gun emplacements and an associated underground complex. One of the gun emplacements has been restored, along with underground passages that link up to a Kriegsmarine M151 personnel shelter that could house 27 men and has a two-metre-thick ceiling.We also visit the fascinating war tunnels, one of Jersey's historical highlights that offers an insight into life under the control of occupying Germany during the Second World War. In this immense underground complex, we discover how the Nazis turned this small island into a fortress through the faithfully recreated rooms and detailed exhibitions on display, complete with artefacts from the time, and learn what life was like for the population during one of the most tumultuous periods in Jersey's modern history.Day 3 - 5 Liberation Day Celebration (Days at Leisure)Enjoy the celebration and festivities ongoing throughout St Hellier. From a procession to Liberation Square and a service of thanksgiving to re-enactments and special events, there is plenty to see and reflect upon. Our tour manager is on hand at the hotel with the Celebration programme and list of events over the three days.Day 6We check out of our hotel and transfer to Jersey airport for our return flight home.

Jersey
Why not join National Holidays on a fantastic coach holiday to Jersey - the largest of the Channel Islands. There is so much to discover on this picturesque island , from the magnificent castles to the beautiful floral gardens, along with the stunning coastline dotted with beautiful bays, walking trails and so much more. Forming 48 miles of breath-taking scenery, the coastline of Jersey offers varied and spectacular vistas ensure you return home with memories to cherish for years to come.
See moreHotel
Monterey Hotel, St HelierJG3 ratingThe Monterey Hotel is located on the edge of St Helier and features a restaurant, bar/lounge and comfortable en-suite bedrooms with flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities and complimentary toiletries. The hotel's outdoor and indoor swimming pools plus spa tub offer a lovely way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.Best Western Royal Hotel, St HelierJG3 ratingThe Best Western Royal Hotel, close to the centre of Hellier is ideally situated for our tour. Established in the 1840s the historic and well-known hotel boasts a bistro-style restaurant and a bar with a separate food menu. The en-suite rooms offer a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi.Hotel RatingJG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.