Jersey Airport's first flights
Corbiere Lighthouse gets the green light + Girl starves in Jersey prison
Jersey says ‘Yes’ to Corbiere
The States of Jersey voted this week in 1872 to build the Corbière Lighthouse, having discussed the idea for fifteen years. Jersey decided to fund and manage the lighthouse independently, in a deviation from the custom of having Trinity House, the UK's lighthouse authority, oversee it. The decision was influenced by the desire for the island to maintain sole control without interference or levied dues for maintenance on island shipping.
The dangerous rocks at Corbière had long posed a threat to shipping, impacting trade and necessitating the urgent construction of the lighthouse. Despite delays, the lighthouse was completed 18 months later and could then be lit for the first time.
Jersey Airport’s first flights
Jersey Airport opened for business this week in 1937 with newspapers congratulating it for a well-thought-out layout that included hangars strategically positioned to prevent unauthorised access to the airfield. The airport, which had been in preparation for 15 months, was built on an 85-acre site and had a 914m landing strip.
The cost of construction, including hangars, terminal, apron, and runways, was £128,000, and the airport's design also included a tea room and restaurant on the roof, along with a control tower on the fourth floor providing controllers with a clear view of the airfield. The word 'Jersey' was prominently painted on the landing strip for pilot guidance.
Girl starves in Jersey prison
Fourteen-year old Harriet Gilbert was sentenced to spend time in Jersey prison for petty theft in 1875 and, less than a month later, had died of starvation. She had been subjected to harsh conditions, including solitary confinement with minimal food and water, and her death sparked controversy and criticism of the prison governor for the treatment she received.
The circumstances surrounding her death led to a libel trial involving the editor of a newspaper that published a disparaging article about the handling of Harriet's case. Witnesses provided conflicting testimonies regarding her treatment and whether she was adequately fed before her death, and the editor was found guilty of libel and sentenced to pay a fine or face imprisonment. Had he been sent to prison, he would have found himself in the care of the very man he had criticised over Harriet’s death.
Bergerac actor born
Actor Terence Alexander, best known for his portrayal of Charlie Hungerford in the BBC series Bergerac, was born this week in 1923. Charlie, the father of Deborah and ex-husband of Jim, had a friendly yet occasionally irritable relationship with Jim Bergerac, but his connections with some shadier characters in the island frequently came in handy when Jim was investigating cases.
Alexander, born in London but raised in Yorkshire, had a successful career beyond Bergerac, appearing in various TV series including The Avengers and Doctor Who. He retired from acting a few years after Bergerac ended and passed away in May 2009.
Jersey supplies run dangerously low
Occupying forces launched a desperate raid on the French port of Granville this week in 1945, in an attempt to secure much-needed supplies, particularly coal, for the German forces stationed in the Channel Islands. The raid was part of Germany's efforts during a bleak period in the war when they were facing significant challenges.
Despite managing to access the port and damage several Allied ships, the raid was not entirely successful. The Allies fought back, resulting in casualties on both sides, with the Germans losing six men and the Allies losing 22. Ultimately, the Germans were only able to take a single load of coal, falling short of their intended goal. The Channel Islands were liberated two months later.
Jersey gunner shot down
Jerseyman William Marett lost his life aged just 23 when the Wellington aircraft in which he was flying was shot down over the Netherlands this week in 1941. Marett was part of the 149 Squadron and was acting as a gunner on the aircraft. The Wellington was on its way to a bombing raid on oil refineries in Germany's Ruhr Valley when it was tracked on radar and illuminated by searchlights, making it an easy target for enemy combat aircraft.
In December 2018, two Dutch metal detectorists discovered the crash site of the Wellington and were able to identify the aircraft's name and model, leading to the identification of the lost crew, including Marett.
Queen’s Valley plans at risk
Businessman Colin Tett had been buying shares in the water company, until he owned a third of it and won a seat on the board, which allowed him to delay the reservoir's construction. However, despite this and several other setbacks, the dam was eventually built and the resulting reservoir continues to contribute to meeting Jersey's water needs.
Jersey’s new Lieutenant Governor
Leicester-born Sir Stephen Dalton had a successful military career before being appointed as Jersey's 42nd Lieutenant Governor this week in 2017. In that position, he served as the monarch's representative in the island for five years.
Dalton joined the Royal Air Force in 1976 and flew Jaguar aircraft on Cold War missions. He played a significant role in Iraq following the US-led invasion in 2003 and oversaw the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jersey resides at Government House in St Helier and acts as a liaison between the States of Jersey and the crown, without voting or participating in the States' activities.