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Fitting tributes to a hero
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That hero was, of course, Major Francis Peirson, the 24-year-old redcoat officer who refused to surrender to Baron de Rullecourt, led the Island’s defence against the baron’s French invasion force, and died at the moment of victory. Peirson has a pub named after him and a place of honour in the Town Church, but a growing body of opinion says that he deserves more by way of recognition.
Peirson ensured that the Union Flag remained flying over Jersey in 1781, so if a piece of public art is now created in his honour, the gesture will be more than a little late. This might suggest to some that better uses could be found for any money devoted to commissioning a statue or other commemorative work. Fortunately, there are arguments which have much to do with a pragmatic approach as well as the importance of history and heritage which counterbalance this rather niggardly attitude.
The welcome resurgence of appreciation for the feat of Major Peirson and his comrades has been reinforced by a second tribute, a new fanfare written in his honour by renowned composer Jon Lord and due to be premiered in this year’s Liberation celebrations.
While seeking to acknowledge the importance of Peirson as the courageous saviour of the Island, those organising the drive for a permanent memorial, including St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft, are not attempting to tap into the public purse. If a statue is to be put up or another work created, it will be funded by public subscription.
The appeal for funds is launched today at the Town Hall. The event, which will be attended by the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant-General Andrew Ridgway, will stress that a Peirson memorial will also recognise the efforts of the other troops, including the Jersey Militia, who resisted the French when, initially, it appeared that all was already lost.
In the past, artists from the UK and elsewhere have won the honour of creating the Island’s major pieces of public art. In this case, the St Helier Roads Committee, whose members have produced design briefings, are rightly and wisely asking Island artists to submit their ideas.
Also entirely appropriate is the suggested site for the memorial. If it is indeed placed in the courtyard of the Town Church, it will look over what was the epicentre of the short but bloody engagement that not only saw Peirson’s tragic death, but also ensured that the Island that we know and love today was able to develop in its own unique fashion under the continuing protection of the Crown.
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