FOREWORD

This evening’s ceremony marks the 100th anniversary of the First World War, an event which soon came to be referred to as ‘The Great War’. Although we were not occupied as was the case in the Second World War the impact of the war on Jersey and itscommunity was nevertheless considerable.

Tonight we mark this historic occasion in a ‘Ceremony of Light’ and reflect on events 100 years ago. We remember that so many made

the ultimate sacrifice. Many men from Jersey lost their lives whileserving in either the British or French Armed Forces. Just before 11.00 p.m., the exact time war was declared, we shall witness a moving and solemn Parish lantern parade, which will be extinguished to leave asolitary candle burning in the Royal Square in remembrance.

This evening’s ceremony brings together local musicians, actors and members of the community of all ages as part of a commemorative production which has been a great collaborative effort. Needless to say, it would not have been possible without the commitment of all those involved. While it is not possible to thank them individually in this short foreword, I am most grateful to all of them.

I hope this evening will provide all those attending with a suitable moment to reflect on the events 100 years ago, the colossal loss of life which ensued, and the hardship suffered by our community along with so many others.

Sir Michael BirtBailiff of Jersey.

LEST WE FORGETOne hour before midnight on Tuesday 4th August 1914, Britain declared war on Germany. The deadline to withdraw from neutral Belgium had passed;honour and obligation demanded that the time for diplomacy was over. It was now time to choose sides and take up arms. A cursory telegram to Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor, General Alexander Rochfort, informed Islanders that they too were part of this new conflict. The British Empire was going to need all of its gathered strength and resources to prevail against what wasundoubtedly a formidable enemy.

Actually, this telegram merely set the seal on a sequence of events that had started five days earlier. Concerned that sabre-rattling in Berlin, St Petersburg and Vienna would go too far, on 30th July Britain had taken the first steps to prepare for a possible war. In Jersey, this meant mobilising the Militia, a four thousand strong force of men between the ages of 16 and 45 who were obliged by law to defend their Island. Somewhat bemused, they had taken up station around the coastline and at key installations. There the Militia would resolutely remain – in one guise or another – for the next five years.

For another group of Islanders, Britain’s declaration on 4th August 1914 was merely an afterthought. Hostilities had already started as far as they were concerned. On Monday 3rd August, Germany had declared war on France. Anticipating this eventuality, France had ordered the mobilisation of its armed forces two days earlier. It was a decision that instantly plunged more than two thousand Jersey families into uncertainly as their men, who had remained French nationals in the eyes of the law, departed for obligatory military service. Within days, many of them would be engaging the enemy in the opening Battle of the Frontiers.

On the day following Britain’s declaration of war, a crowd gathered in the Royal Square. They were drawn by the proclamations confirming the Island’s status in the conflict and a collective curiosity about what was going to happen next. War was not something that the majority of Islanders had experienced,certainly not on the scale or proximity threatened by this conflict. Onehundred years of peace with France had softened Jersey and its people. Those who gathered in the Square that day had no way of knowing what lay ahead in the next four years, or the scale of sacrifice the Island would have to make.

Among the crowd were boisterous young men who could not have imagined that some of them were entering the final years of their life. As volunteers or conscripts, the war would progressively draw them into its folds, killing some and scarring others for the remainder of their days.

Earnest politicians hurrying past to attend a hastily summoned StatesAssembly could not have known that the war would shake Jersey’sconstitutional privileges to the core; or foreseen the draconian new lawsimposed on their constituents without the approval of local politicians.

Industrious women who paused from their daily routine to listen could not have guessed how much civilian society would unravel over the next four years. It was going to be a ‘total war’, in which the Island and the nation would require the contribution of women to survive and emerge victorious.

Erudite members of the medical profession passing through the Square may have shuddered briefly as they thought of the damage that modern weapons and munitions could inflict on human flesh and bone. But they could not have predicted that one of the most devastating plagues ever known would descend on their Island to infect thousands and kill hundreds over the course of just a few weeks.

Nervous businessmen who gathered to ponder the consequences of war may have realised that it would bring threat and opportunity, in roughly equal measure. But they could not have predicted how the trench-bound stalemate would insatiably consume the Island’s prime workforce and the rancorous and divisive debates accompanying the military’s demand for men.

Perhaps on the fringes of the crowd were one or two particularly apprehensive Islanders who had settled in Jersey from Germany or Austria-Hungary. They must have understood that the war was going to affect their lives as nations divided in allies and adversaries, but not gathered the extent to which they would be monitored, suspected, harassed and, ultimately for some, condemned to imprisonment or forced exile.

As the Town Church clock chimed midnight on 4th August 1914, these and so many other scenarios and permutations lay in the future. For Islanders, the history of the First World War and its impact on Jersey was yet to be written. One hundred years on, today’s Islanders are presented with the opportunity to explore that history and recall the people who served, fought, worked, endured and died while it was being made. Lest we forget - lest we forget!

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS*Please note –• In view of the solemnity of the occasion, it is suggested that there be no

applause during or after the event.• Any timings below are approximate.

1. Prelude to War (from 2100Hrs) - The outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 came as a shock to an unsuspecting island communi-ty that was busy enjoying an excellent summer. Tourism was on the rise and the island’s agricultural industry continued to prosper from excellent harvests. Sharing in this economic prosperity were the island’s photographic studios, producing postcard images of every valley and vista to supply a ready market. These photographs show life in Jersey as it was for a community that would soon have to adapt to the condi-tions of a world at war. Archive screenings and images provided by the Société Jersiaise and accompanied by music played by the Band of the Island of Jersey (until 2140Hrs).

2. Arrival of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, General Sir John McColl, KCB CBE DSO, the Bailiff of Jersey, Sir Michael Birt and the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst to a fanfare played by the Band of the Island of Jersey.

3. ‘Nimrod’ played by the Band of the Island of Jersey.

4. Address by the Bailiff of Jersey, Sir Michael Birt. 5. Parade from Halkett Place into the Royal Square comprising –

Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers Jersey Sea Cadets Victoria College Combined Cadet Force Air Training Corps 93 (City of Bath) Squadron ATC Jersey Field Squadron – Bearers for Drums, Standards and Hurricane Lamp. Drum Head is built on main stage by members of the Jersey Field

Squadron to ‘Maid Marion’ played by the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers.

6. Church procession and service led by the Dean of Jersey –

Welcome: The Dean of Jersey.

Hymn (All): I Vow to Thee my Country accompanied by the Band of the Island of Jersey

I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love: The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; The love that never falters, the love that pays the price, The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago, Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering; And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, And her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace.

The Bidding: The Dean of Jersey

All: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever

and ever. AMEN.

Reading: Isaiah 2: 2-5 - A Vision of the heavenly Jerusalem. Monsignor Nicholas France.

Prayers: Rev Graeme Halls, Flight Lieutenant Victoria Atherton RAF VR(T) and Warrant Officer (CCF) John-Paul Fidrmuc.

Look down, O Lord, from your heavenly throne, illuminate the darkness of this night with your celestial brightness, and from the children of light banish the deeds of darkness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, we were not there when a generation of men marched to suffering and death, endurance and victory. Teach us to honour those

who serve in the armed forces of the Crown today; to care for the wounded and scarred and for the families of those killed in the fight for freedom and justice.

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Heavenly Father, we so easily take our freedom for granted. Teach us

to value all your gifts to us: the beauty of our Island, our democratic pattern of government, our Parish heritage and all that makes Jersey special. May we, in our generation, build on the sacrifice and service of those who have gone before us, that our Island may always be a

community of peace and unity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Gracious God, whose Son Jesus Christ healed the sick, fed the hungry

and had a special care for widows and children, help us to care for the needy and disadvantaged in our society. Bless those who work in our hospitals and surgeries and all who seek to meet the needs of the poor. Grant us the heart of Christ and teach us to love our neighbours as

ourselves, for His sake. Amen. O God, the source of life, banish our pride and enlighten us with wisdom, that we may be led by your light, and come to see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen. Hymn (All): The Day Thou Gavest accompanied by the Band of the Island of Jersey. The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended, The darkness falls at Thy behest; To Thee our morning hymns ascended, Thy praise shall sanctify our rest. We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping, While earth rolls onward into light, Through all the world her watch is keeping, And rests not now by day or night. As o’er each continent and island The dawn leads on another day, The voice of prayer is never silent, Nor dies the strain of praise away.

The sun that bids us rest is waking Our brethren ’neath the western sky, And hour by hour fresh lips are making Thy wondrous doings heard on high. So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never, Like earth’s proud empires, pass away: Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever, Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway. Final Blessing: The Dean of Jersey.7. 100 Years: 1914-2014: Images of the Great War - The First World War

generated more photographs than all previous conflicts put together. However, until recently Jersey photographic archives contained rela-tively few records of the profound impact of the First World War on is-landers’ lives. The centenary, in 2014, has given researchers the impetus to explore the relationship between local communities and the history of the first truly mechanised global war. With the First World War now beyond living memory, photographs are vital as objects with the power to transport us back in time to witness the experiences of our forebears. In the lead up to the centenary, photographs continue to emerge from attics, albums and shoeboxes to reveal the faces and tell the stories of islanders during the First World War. One special album donated to the Société Jersiaise in 2014, in the words of its compiler John Edward Coombs and Gordon Owen his late son, contains two hundred and for-ty-five ‘photos that each and all speak for themselves.’ Largely unseen until 2014 this album documents a Jersey community from 1914-1918 that was forever changed by war. This projection features photographs from the album showing the mobilisation of the Royal Militia Island of Jersey, the formation and departure of the ‘Jersey Company’ as well as the British Army garrisons. Images drawn from the Imperial War Mu-seum photographic archive show the Battles of Guillemont and Ginchy; actions in which the Jersey Company was heavily engaged. Recently rediscovered photographs, kindly loaned by St Thomas’s Catho-lic Church, show the actions of the French Army and represent the thousands of French nationals who left their island home to go to war. Faces of the Great War, the closing image brings together four hundred and eighty portraits of Jerseymen who went to war collected by Jersey Heritage from family and community archives for the 2014 exhibition of this title at Jersey Museum. This projection is dedicated to those who served, their families and their friends.

8. Readings of letters from the Jersey Archive by the Jersey Arts Centre YouTheatre members, with music provided by the Band of the Island of Jersey and the Musical Originals Singers.

9. Parish Lantern Parade from Halkett Place into the Royal Square to the solemn bell of the Town Church as follows –

(i.) St Brelade Wreath Bearer: Connétable Stephen Pallett Standard Bearer: Edward Le Couteur Catriona Fern Mary Jordan Tom Jordan Mathew Baudet Alan Greenham Richard Quenault Jeremy Dean Colin Taylor Mark Le Riche David Cohen (ii.) St Clement Wreath Bearer: Connétable Len Norman Standard Bearer: Brian Penaluna Peter Ward Lesley Aubert Chris le Cornu Peter Farrell Tony Beaumont Rob Beaumont Vincent Obbard Martin Dryden Mandy le Brocq Cheryl Ahearn (iii.) Grouville Wreath Bearer: Connétable John Le Maistre Standard Bearer: Charles Dix Walter Labey William Labey Roy Bullen Clive Dobin Claude Bertram Pauline Bertram Liam Fitzgerald Tom Cairns Philip Roynon- Jones Harry Roynon-Jones (iv.) St Helier Wreath Bearer: Connetable Simon Crowcroft Standard Bearer: Peter Pearce Maureen Bougourd Richard Henry Mallet Jane Pearce Nigel Blake

Gwenn Blake Edward Malet de Carteret Stephen Healey Michael Franca Katie Pearce Anya Skinner (v.) St John Wreath Bearer: Connetable Philip Rondel Standard Bearer: Nigel Daye Gary le Moignan Callam Renault James Rondel Erika Rondel Jim Elam Richard Dorey Vivienne Dorey Gwen Batho Vivienne Day Amelia O`Flaherty (vi.) St Lawrence Wreath Bearer: Connétable Deidre Mezbourian Standard Bearer: Nycky Parker-Hood Maurice Dubras John Emmanuel Dawn Emmanuel Maureen Le Brun John Le Fondre Brian Raffray Veronica Raffray Victoria Wilderspin Oliver Wilderspin Esther Wilderspin (vii.) St Martin Wreath Bearer: Connétable Michel Le Troquer Standard Bearer: Grant Feltham Alan Phillips Silva Yates Nancy Yates Deputy Steve Luce Peter Searle Felicity Searle Major Francis Tadier Alan Mollet Trevor Green Gerald Le Cocq (viii.) St Mary Wreath Bearer: Connétable Juliette Gallichan Standard Bearer: James Baudains

Sue Heppolette Jenny Rimeur Gene Vibert Joan de Gruchy Barbara de la Haye Shirley de Gruchy David Munns Anthony Gilbert Jan Gilbert Terry Gallichan (ix.) St Ouen Wreath Bearer: Connétable Michael Paddock Standard Bearer: Hilton Carré David Cuthbert Lynn Minchinton-Gilley Sabine Minchinton-Gilley Valerie Masterman Barbara Cunliffe Isla Cunliffe Brian Follain Pamela Follain Allan Quenault Laurence Quenault (x.) St Peter Wreath Bearer: Connétable John Refault Standard Bearer: Fred Johnstone Eric Payn Sue Payn Trevor Rayson Pam Rayson Christine Tostevin Michael Tostevin Francois Le Maistre William Le Marquand James Le Marquand Millie Butel (xi.) St Saviour Wreath Bearer (in absence of Connétable): Peter Mourant Standard Bearer: Geoff Morris Esther Gordon Barbara Harman Nigel Le Masurier Alma Wunsch Barry de la Mare Celia Scott Warren Graeme Witts Mirabel Witts Richard Blandin Karen Blandin

(xii.) Trinity Wreath Bearer: Connétable John Le S. Gallichan Standard Bearer: Charles Le Maistre Valerie Le Maistre Simon Le Maistre Michael Poingdestre Helen Poingdestre Jenny Pryke Jean Cadin Jennifer Jones Hugh Raymond Steve Gallichan Philip Le Sueur Each Parish Group comprises of the Connétable, a Standard Bearer and 10 parishioners each holding a candle-lit lantern.

10. Wreath laying ceremony (All stand) – ‘For the Fallen’ – read by Ron Perchard RNR (Lt SCC) Last Post and lowering of Standards One minute silence The Reveille and raising of Standards The Kohema Epitaph – read by Ron Perchard RNR (Lt SCC) Wreath Laying, to the solemn bell of the Town Church – His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor The Bailiff The Chief Minister Royal British Legion (Mr. Ken Soar, Jersey Branch Chairman) The Parish Connétables

‘Evening Hymn & Sunset’, played by the Band of the Island of Jersey while Standards are lowered The National Anthem played by the Band of the Island of Jersey God save our gracious Queen, Long Live our noble Queen, God save our Queen. Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God save The Queen.

11. Departure of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, the Bailiff and the Chief Minister.

Air Training Corps,(Jersey No 7 Overseas)Andrew KerleyBand of the Island of JerseyThe Church Choirs & Kenneth Francis (Director) including – St. Luke’s Holy Trinity Cantabile St. Helier Town Church ChoristersComité des ConnétablesCrapaud Hash HouseHarriers Dean of JerseyFlight Lieutenant VictoriaAtherton RAF VR(T) Gwyn Garfield-BennettGareth Syvret Ian RonayneJersey ArchiveJersey Arts Centre Youtheatre& Daniel Austin (Director) Jersey Field Squadron Jersey Sea CadetsJoys ProductionsMalcolm FereyMonsignor Nicholas France

Musical Originals Singers &Imogen Nicholls (Conductor)Nottinghamshire Band of theRoyal EngineersParish of St Helier – Connetable Simon Crowcroft Honorary PoliceRob Ritchie and Stage 2 ProductionsRev. Graeme HallsRon Perchard RNR (Lt SCC)Société JersiaiseStates of Jersey – Bailiff ’s Chambers Economic Development Education, Sport & Culture Government House Property Holdings. TTS.States of Jersey PoliceSt John AmbulanceVictoria College Combined Cadet Force (CCF)Warrant Officer (CCF) John-Paul Fidrmuc93 (City of Bath) Squadron ATC

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS