80th ANNIVERSARY
COMMEMORATION
12 August 1944 - Bombardment of Alderney
Monday, 12th August 2024 will live long in the memory of islanders when the Trust's flying display took place in glorious sunshine at Platte Saline, commemorating the vital role played by the Spitfires of No.26 Squadron R.A.F. on the 80th anniversary of the bombardment of Alderney by the British battleship HMS Rodney.
The stunning aerobatic display by Neil Parkinson, in the Mark IX Spitfire 'City of Exeter' with its distinctive D-Day black and white stripes, thrilled the hundreds of spectators on the beach itself and other island vantage points; glorious sunshine had only minutes before lifted the early morning mist which had shrouded the island.
Cockpit views of Alderney
These brilliant and unusual views of Alderney are taken by Chief Pilot Neil Parkinson of Spitfires.com during his aerobatic display over the island.
The Flying Display at Platte Saline
While you browse the photo gallery of the flying display at Platte Saline, you can listen to the introductory commentary that preceded the arrival of the Spitfire, together with William Walton’s Spitfire Prelude and Fugue written for the film ‘Battle of Britain’.
Visitors and islanders turned out in their hundreds as the weather cleared before the display.
The Spitfire heads in for another high-speed pass to thrill those watching from the beach.
A sight which provided a most fitting reminder of the part played by the Spitfires in 1944.
Clear blue skies and a sparkling sea set the scene for a memorable display of aerobatics.
In a series of spectacular manoeuvres, Neil Parkinson showed off the iconic Spitfire's profile.
Spectators crowd forward in eager anticipation as the Spitfire makes its first run over the sea.
Tomos Roberts, aka Tomfoolery, recites his new poem 'HMS Rodney' standing on the sea wall.
Visitors and islanders turned out in their hundreds as the weather cleared before the display.
Neil Parkinson puts the Mark IX Spitfire in D-Day stripes through its paces over Platte Saline. (photo by Jay C)
In his final pass, Neil Parkinson waves to the crowds on the beach. (photo by Jay C)
Flying Display Souvenir Card
The Trust's souvenir cards, providing historical background to the display, together with Spitfire cut-outs eagerly sought after by the children, were dispensed before and during the event. Read the full Souvenir Card or download it below:
Tomfoolery’s Live Performance
Stirring music by William Walton and an informative commentary entertained the watchers, while Tomfoolery's moving new poem HMS Rodney, especially written for the occasion and performed live for the very first time, brought the programme to a memorable climax.
Videos of the Day
Enjoy this selection of videos taken on the day, including the Spitfire cockpit view, scenes from Platte Saline followed by the opening of the Target Alderney! bunker exhibition.
Launching the Target Alderney! exhibition
Later in the afternoon, at the newly-opened Hospital bunker in Longis Road, the Trustees launched their new exhibition 'Target Alderney!' It tells the full story of the bombardment by H.M.S. Rodney – complete with contemporary newsreel footage, eyewitness accounts and a 1:200 scale model of the battleship.
The opening was prefaced by a message from the Trust's patron, His Excelllency, the Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey, Lt.General Richard Cripwell CB, CBE., followed by a short history of the action recorded by naval historian Iain Ballantyne, author of the book HMS Rodney.
Those present were then introduced to Christopher Rivett-Carnac, a descendant of Captain James Rivett-Carnac, a former commander of the battleship, who was invited to cut the sumptuous commemorative cake marking the launch of the exhibition telling the story of this most remarkable event in Alderney's naval history – the only occasion when the Royal Navy was ordered to fire on British territory.
The sumptuous cake with Spitfires over Alderney and the battleship lying off the French coast.
Colin Partridge outlines the background to the Trust's 'Target Alderney!' exhibition at the bunker.
Invited guests gathered in bright sunshine at the Hospital Bunker for the exhibition launch.
Trustee Ken Tough reads the welcoming opening address from patron, the Lieutenant-Governor.
The 'Target Alderney!' exhibition with scale model of H.M.S. Rodney and a live 1944 newsreel.
Trustee Neil Hunter explains the complexities of gunnery science to a fascinated young visitor.
The commemorative cake is cut by the descendant of a former commander of H.M.S. Rodney.
Christopher Rivett-Carnac and his wife Malou are presented with gifts by Colin Partridge.
Trustees Colin Partridge and Ken Tough visit Mary and Henry Euler's memorial on her birthday.
Listen to the reading of the Lt.-Governor’s welcome address by Trustee Ken Tough:
Listen to the audio recording of author Iain Ballantyne’s historical background to the bombardment:
You can purchase the book here.