Wreath-laying restricted

Wreath-laying restricted

French Consul Advocate Christopher Scholefield says due to the Covid-19 restrictions on public gatherings of more than ten people, the event traditionally held on
18 June has had to be cancelled.

However, the anniversary will not go unrecognised, as wreaths will be laid at the Scornet memorial in the grounds of St Ouen’s Manor.

Advocate Scholefield said: ‘The decades-long chain of Scornet commemorations will remain unbroken.

‘A ceremony and wreath-laying in the presence of an invited audience of members of the Parish of St Ouen will take place at St Ouen’s Manor on the evening of the 18th.

‘To those not able to attend and show their respects this year the message is –keep François’s sacrifice in your thoughts on Thursday 18 June at 6.30pm and you will be with us in spirit even if not in person.’

Scornet was captured by the Germans on route by boat from Brittany to the UK to join the Free French Forces in 1940, tried and sentenced to death.

Another anniversary, traditionally commemorated on the same date at St Helier Harbour, to mark General Charles de Gaulle’s impassioned speech to the French people not to give up the fight after the fall of France, will also be celebrated before a small invited audience.

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