Guernsey Observes Annual World War One Battle Anniversary

An annual memorial service is scheduled to be held in Guernsey and France to observe the anniversary of the World War One Battle of Les Rue Verte. This yearly event, organized by the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Trust (RGLI), honors the Guernseymen who participated in the conflict. The ceremony will occur at the RGLI memorials situated in the Sunken Gardens in St Peter Port and at Les Rue Verte, Masnieres, located in northern France. Chris Oliver, who founded the RGLI Trust, stated that the troops’ actions during the battle have been characterized as “Guernsey’s finest hour.” Commencing on 30 November 1917, the RGLI successfully repelled a counter-attack by German forces in Masnieres, near Cambrai, over a three-day period. This action facilitated the safe withdrawal of other British units. It is estimated that more than 400 RGLI personnel were either killed, injured, or unaccounted for during the engagement. According to the trust, His Excellency Lt General Richard Cripwell, along with the current Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon, and several other delegates, have indicated their intention to attend the remembrance events in Masnieres. The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Reverend Tim Barker, will preside over the memorial service, which will be attended by representatives from the French state, the prefecture, the local town population, and exchange students from Masnieres. The current year’s observance commemorates the 108th anniversary of the battle.