04/05/2026
May 4, 1945 - “W-Day”
Following the order to “Stand To” the day before, May 4th, 1945 marked W-Day (W meaning Warning) for the launch of Operation Nestegg, the codename for the Liberation of the Channel Islands. All units and personnel that were to be involved in the operation were marshalled to Plymouth to prepare for imminent embarkation, including recalling of leave to those who had it!
Of particular significance to Force 135 on W-Day was the short-notice issuing of its unique formation sign, the coat of arms of Jersey and Guernsey, consisting of three golden leopards over a red shield; the leopards of the Channel Islands represent their places as remnants of the medieval Duchy of Normandy and as Crown Dependencies.
This insignia was issued to members of all three services of the Armed Forces (the British Army, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force) participating in Operation Nestegg. It was worn on the left shoulder sleeve of the British uniform only, to represent the leopards moving forwards. The formation sign was also painted on all ground vehicles within the Task Force, in place of a divisional or brigade-level formation sign. Stencils to paint the insignia were provided by REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).
Force 135 now had received its recognisable identity as an operational formation. Brigadier Snow, General Officer Commanding (OC) of Force 135 made a lengthy final planning conference for the operation, one which ran well into the next morning.
The stage for the Liberation was set.
