Force 135 Living History Group

24/08/2026

FORCE 135 AT ELIZABETH CASTLE - BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th, and Monday 31st August 2026

This weekend we will back at Elizabeth Castle for another exciting living history event, and as it’s a bank holiday weekend we will also be at the Castle on the Monday!

As usual, we will be portraying the liberation of the Castle by elements of ‘B’ Battery, 620 Regiment, Royal Artillery in May 1945. Our main encampment will be at the requisitioned German 10.5cm Jägerstand casemate alongside the castle green, and we will have a variety of authentic British Second World War equipment on display to see and get hands-on and up close with!

Come on down and say hello!

Usual admission fees and entry times for Elizabeth Castle apply.

Jersey Heritage
Vibrant Jersey
Visit Jersey

25/07/2026

In the year before the establishment of Guernsey Police’s EOD team, two Royal Engineers Sappers lost their lives as part of de-mining operations in the Bailiwick.

Officers worked closely with the Army following Liberation Day to assist in safely clearing mines, bombs, and other explosives, leading to the formal establishment of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team in 1946.

But while this work was important to keep the wider community safe, it was inherently dangerous for those involved.

Tragically, on the 21st June 1945 Sapper George Edgar Onions of 259 Field Company, Royal Engineers (pictured), was killed during a de-mining operation in Alderney. He was one of the Task Force 135 soldiers who came to Guernsey as part of the Liberation. Today, he is buried at St Annes' Church Cemetery.

Just several days later, on 1st July 1945, another Sapper was seriously injured in an accident while a merchant ship was being unloaded on the New Jetty. Sapper Walter Ernest Callahan of 1011 Port Operating Company, Royal Engineers, was also in the island as part of the Royal Engineer’s work to de-mine the islands, and very sadly died from the injuries he suffered.

This tragic death was discovered during research going on around the 80th anniversary of the EOD team's establishment. As such, the EOD Team is looking to arrange a small commemoration event for Sapper Callahan in the near future, similar to that which takes place in Alderney for Sapper Onions.

Both of these men were in the Bailiwick making it a safer place after the war, and so Guernsey Police would like to take this opportunity to honour their sacrifice.

25/07/2026

17/07/2026

FORCE 135 AT RESISTANCE NEST LA MARE MILL
Sunday 19 July, 2-5pm

Looking for something to do this weekend? We will be returning to the La Mare Mill bunker this Sunday, supporting our friends at CIOS Jersey (C.I. Occupation Society) with the second public opening of the site since its restoration! Recently undergoing a major winter renovation project by the CIOS’ skilled volunteers, the bunker is home to what is now arguably the best-preserved example of a surviving German Sechsschartenturm machine gun turret on the entire Atlantic Wall.

On display will be a selection of wartime British and German weapons and equipment.

Admission to the bunker is £8, with all funds directly supporting the voluntary work of the CIOS!

(Photos of La Mare Mill by the CIOS.)

10/06/2026

FORCE 135 AT ELIZABETH CASTLE
Saturday 13 June - Sunday 14 June 2026

Stand to - our first living history event at Elizabeth Castle is this weekend!

Get up close and hands-on with authentic British and German wartime equipment, experience our period bunker encampment as it would have appeared following the castle’s liberation by the men of B Battery, 620 Regiment, Royal Artillery in 1945, and learn about the vital role that Force 135 played in ending the German occupation.

The weekend weather is looking promising, so come and see us for a grand day out - we hope to see you there!

Usual admission fees for the Castle apply.

Jersey Heritage
Vibrant Jersey
Visit Jersey

04/06/2026

RESISTANCE NEST LA MARE MILL - THE GRAND REOPENING
Sunday 7 June, 2-5pm

Not to be missed!

We are delighted to announce that we will be supporting CIOS Jersey (C.I. Occupation Society) with their grand reopening of Resistance Nest La Mare Mill! Recently undergoing a major winter renovation project by the CIOS’ skilled volunteers, the bunker is home to what is now arguably the finest example of a surviving German Sechsschartenturm machine gun turret on the Atlantic Wall.

Alongside our British Army kit and equipment displays we will particularly highlight the dangerous essential role played by the Royal Engineers and German prisoners to clear the Channel Islands of mines, as well as telling the story of United States Army Air Force airman Lieutenant Walter R. Davis, who was taken prisoner in very close vicinity to the bunker after making a forced landing in his P-47C Thunderbolt.

Admission to the bunker is £8, with all funds directly supporting the voluntary work of the CIOS!

09/05/2026

We hope everyone had a very happy Liberation Day today! It is always a real privilege and honour for us to take part in the annual reenactment and march past ceremony alongside the Royal Jersey Militia Army Cadets on this very important day in the Channel Islands’ history.

We will be continuing the Liberation weekend with a living history display at Strongpoint Corbiere tomorrow afternoon with the CIOS Jersey (C.I. Occupation Society) from 2-5pm - come and say hello, and get a closer look at the uniforms and equipment of the men who arrived in Jersey on this momentous day in 1945!