On Sunday 27 April 2025, in this significant Liberation 80 year, a commemorative ceremony was held to mark the liberation of Jersey internees from the prison camp in Wurzach, Germany on 28 April 1945, at the same time remembering the 13 islanders who did not return. Moving readings were delivered by 3 former internees as also the Joan Coles’ personal account of the liberation day in Wurzach. The Reverend Sarah McClelland, whose father had been one of the Jersey prisoners, officiated with prayers and a blessing.
This year the Partnerschaft Committee was pleased to welcome the Bailiff, Sir Tim Le Cocq to the ceremony which takes place annually in the grounds of the War Tunnels Café and Garden of Reflection. Eight surviving former internees were present, many with family members. This year in total about 70 guests attended the ceremony, many visiting the Garden and laying a red rose on the stones dedicated to the 13 islanders buried in a foreign land. As is the tradition, the event was crowned by the hosting of about 60 guests to an excellent afternoon tea in the War Tunnels Café with a selection of Jersey wonders, scones and various cakes.
