For immediate release – 15 October 2015
Guernsey Post announces that it will issue a Miniature Sheet stamp to mark the 70th anniversary of Homecoming Day in the island of Alderney (issue date 10 November).
Homecoming Day is commemorated every year on 15 December, a public holiday in Alderney, which is the date that the first group of Islanders returned following World War II. Unlike the other Channel Islands, almost the entire 1,450 strong population of Alderney was evacuated at the end of June 1940.
On Hitler’s personal instructions, the Germans attempted to turn Alderney into a fortress and it became barely recognisable. Huge bunkers and gun emplacements, underground shelters and concrete fortifications were constructed along the coastline and across the island. Three slave-labour camps - Lagers Borkum, Helgoland, and Norderney – were set up, along with one concentration camp – Lager Sylt. They housed thousands of slave labourers from all over Europe, including the Channel Islands, who endured unimaginable conditions of deprivation.
Unlike many other occupied areas, the ratio of troops to civilians was very high in the island, with around one solider to every three inhabitants. Radios were banned to prevent the spread of propaganda being broadcast by the BBC. In response, crystal radios were used, often hidden in everyday items such as hollowed-out books and underground newsletters were written and distributed.
The islands of Guernsey and Jersey were eventually liberated on 9th May 1945, whilst Alderney was liberated a week later on 16th May.
Guernsey Post’s acting head of philatelic, Bridget Yabsley says: “Islanders began to return to Alderney on the 15th December 1945 following five years of exile during the War. However, the homecoming was a far cry from the jubilant scenes witnessed in neighbouring Channel Islands, as Alderney was barely recognisable after five years of German occupation.
“As people began the difficult and traumatic process of clearing up and rebuilding their homes and businesses, some sense of normality slowly returned. However, for some it was too hard and many decided to leave Alderney for good.”
The miniature sheet is available to pre-order from 26 October by contacting philatelic customer services on (01481) 716486 or by visiting www.guernseystamps.com.