PM asked to back Alderney WW2 recognition request

An Alderney campaign group has written to UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, calling for the island to be recognised for what its residents experienced during World War Two.

Kev South, leader of the Channel Islands WW2 Remembrance Campaign, said the majority of Alderney residents had just 24 hours to evacuate in June 1940, following the island's occupation by Germany, and had to rebuild a "virtually destroyed" island when it was liberated in 1945.

The campaign group has asked Sir Kier to recommend Alderney receives a medal of recognition from King Charles on the 80th anniversary of the Liberation Day in 2025.

The Office of the Prime Minister has been approached for comment.

"There was evacuation, of course, from Guernsey and Jersey, but Alderney is distinctive because it was a virtual full evacuation with only a few remaining," said Mr South.

"When they did return home, it was absolute and utter devastation.

"The island and the homes were virtually completely destroyed and it was a terrible shock to them."

Alderney will mark both the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day; and Homecoming, when residents were able to return, in 2025.

"It's an important date, and it's time for overdue recognition for the population of Alderney," said Mr South.

He said the Crown decided on who received medals, but Sir Kier was being asked to to make the recommendation.

"We've been told that its been passed to the prime minister's team and we're waiting a response," he said.

Vicar of Alderney Samantha Martell said the recognition would be "wholly appropriate".

She said: "If you haven't read the Alderney story, find it and read it, you will see quite how amazing an appropriate that would be."

Alderney States member Alex Snowdon said the people who rebuilt Alderney following Homecoming need to be remembered.

"Any medal of further recognition should be supported because we must not forget these sad times and how people rebuilt their lives to get the Alderney we have today," he said.

Edward Hill, States member-elect, said: "There are still potentially some people who came back to the island who are still with us, only just.

"It's only good that a medal is produced to commemorate what they did."

States member Ian Carter said the recognition would "reflect the immense issues that the island went through".

He said: "It would show the people who came back, reflect what they went through and how much we value what they did for the island.

"It's the island we have today because of their efforts."

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