Homecoming Day, Alderney

The Germans surrendered Alderney on 16 May 1945, seven days after the liberation of Guernsey and Jersey. However, the people of Alderney could not immediately return to their island due to the huge clean-up operation needed which included the removal of over 30,000 landmines.

It was not until December 1945 that the islanders began to return to their devastated island, overrun with rats and imposing concrete fortifications with many of their houses completely derelict and most of the wood, including front doors and furniture missing, having been used as firewood by the Germans.

Then began the long process of rebuilding and life on the island very slowly returned to normal. Today many gun emplacements and bunkers still stand as reminders of this dark chapter in Alderney’s history.

Homecoming Day is marked every year to commemorate the return to Alderney of the first group of islanders after WWII, following the mass evacuation of 1940.  An important day in Alderney’s history, 2024 celebrates the 79th anniversary of Homecoming Day.

Commemorative events: 

• Special Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service for the Homecoming - At 10am at St Anne’s Church - All faiths welcome

• Laying of the wreath - At 11.30am at the Memorial stone at the Harbour