My voice caught a couple of times but I got through my reading OK yesterday. The occasion was a musical event held in the renovated German Command Bunker at Noirmont overlooking Jersey’s south coast. It was certainly a poignant affair marking the 68th anniversary of the Liberation.
But the star and absolute hero of the day was Eric Walker B.E.M. Eric was 90 three days ago. He was one of the British liberating forces on 9th May 1945. He went on to help clear many thousands of mines from the Channel Islands, then further afield, before settling down in Jersey as its Bomb Disposal Officer for many years.
Eric Walker B.E.M.
The northernmost of the Channel Islands is Alderney. Unlike the other islands Alderney was totally evacuated before the German invasion. It was heavily fortified using slave and forced labour. There were many recorded atrocities visited on the forced workers in Jersey and Guernsey. In Alderney there was no one to record what must have gone on there.
Before the Alderney folk could return to their homes after the war, Eric Walker and his sapper comrades spent many months making it safe for them. In the course of their work one GE Onions of the Royal Engineers was blown to pieces. (Not an unusual occurrence – there is much that Eric Walker will not speak of). One of his comrades wrote this epitaph for the people of Alderney to read.
When you return to claim your island home
Let your rejoicing hearts restrain their joy
And meditate, you who have English blood
Or owe allegiance to the English throne
Seek English justice, and claim your English rights
Look on this little mound of fresh-cut turf
And read his epitaph; here buried lies
The shattered corpse of but a boy
Who gave his life to make your land safe
Returned his English dust to cleanse our soil
That this grim corner of the Commonwealth
Might once again be England’s; her fields
Her air, and all the azure sea around
All her flowers, birds and every tree
Because this Tommy died for Alderney.
I was only in Alderney once, on a cricket/drinking weekend. I left the boys go on the lash and meandered around the small island. As if to attempt to cover up those awful years nature has granted Alderney the best display of wild colours, sea birds and spectacular views along its cliffs that you are ever likely to see. You should visit.
Back On The Rock 
It sounds wonderful, Rod. Being amongst men like Mr Walker is a humbling experience, for sure. The final lines of Shakespeare’s King Lear always come to my mind:
“The oldest hath borne most: we that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.”
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Yes I was totally honoured to be on the same bill as Eric and I made sure the audience knew it. He got a huge reception I’m pleased to say.
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Can’t wait to start your book. I actually am in possession of two novels about the Island of Guernsey – one read and loved – The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows and one I picked up at a 2nd hand store on a recent trip to California and haven’t read yet – The Soldier’s Wife by Margaret Leroy. Your area of the world and this era of history related to WWII looms large – and reading your post – for obvious reasons. You are next on my list.
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I’ve read neither of the Guernsey books Francis though the first one is annoying me by taking up our Jersey shelf space 🙂 It has been very well received though. I hold my breath hoping that you’ll like Tess…
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90 years old and what a life…
Glad your reading went well!
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Thanks Letizia – I had to read the passage through dozens of times to ensure I’d hold it together without snuffling too much, pathetic or what 🙂 Yes, Eric is an awesome yet unassuming guy, a hundred times more so than so many overblown celebrities that have never seen a bit of life.
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Wow, I think my voice would have caught more than a couple of times…what a thrilling experience for you. Thanks for sharing your experience and the epitaph…very moving.
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I’d never make a news presenter, that’s for sure. They’d have to give me just happy stuff to read 🙂 Yes, that poor bloke probably thought his war was over and he’d soon be off home to his family. Too sad.
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This is amazing, Roy. Well done for keeping things in check (I probably would have wept!) Thank you so much for this wonderful post.
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You’re too kind Dianne. It was a total privilege to be asked to contribute.
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Sounds like you had a very memorable evening. Well done to you and to Eric Walker for keeping the memories of those awful times alive. Lest we forget.
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Thank you RH – there are so few left that remember that it’s vital for us that remain to keep the memories intact for ever.
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I’m happy to hear it’s a peaceful place now. I love history and all the stories of the greatest generation. I really can’t wait to read your novel!
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Yes, a peaceful part of the world indeed – except for their ‘quarry parties’ during the summer. I’m feeling the pressure of your high expectations now!
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Hahah – I’m sure I’ll love it!
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What a rich experience, to be able to meet and talk to Mr. Walker. The poem for the fallen ‘Tommy’ was very moving. Thank you for sharing an excellent post.
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A honour indeed, and very humbling. I have, proudly framed in my office, a facsimile copy of the ‘mine map’ given to Eric by the German Commander after Liberation so that Jersey could be made safe. Without that map and Eric’s team we’d still be stepping on the things to this day. Thank you for your kind comments Naomi.
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Great post – I loved that touching poem! I love it how you could link back directly to the time of your Tess with Eric Walker. I have been on Alderney – it’s a beautiful place indeed .
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Thank you SV. Yes, Eric met his future wife on that very day, 9th May 1945. Maybe Tess was nearby…no, she didn’t come to town that day 🙂
Thank you for your comments and support.
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Reblogged this on Back On The Rock and commented:
I thought I’d reprise this post from two years ago.
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gorgeous image at bottom!! And another poignant memory of war.
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Alderney is just gorgeous Cybele, but keeps its tragic secrets to itself.
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I am no good at all at such events and would have crumbled. I always get emotional at Anzac day too. I admire the people who can stand up and give it their best shot. That poem is beautiful in so many ways Roy. Thanks for reposting.
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Thank you Kath. Yes I’m hopeless at the stiff upper lip thing. The piece I read (not the poem in the post) I had to read beforehand about 1000 times before I was confident I’d get through it. Yes, Anzac Day always gets respectful awareness even up here in the northern hemisphere.
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“Because this Tommy died for Alderney.” A very moving post, Roy. I do want to go back some day and explore the islands more thoroughly.
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Thank you Naomi and you’d always be made very welcome.
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What a poignant, powerful story. Thanks for sharing it with us. My eyes kept seeping as I read this.
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Thanks Pat. The few eye-witness accounts that have come out of Alderney are horrific. Even today there are calls to investigate suspected mass graves. Best left alone now, in my opinion.
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