TOP secret military documents outlining plans to liberate the Channel Islands from Nazi Occupation- which have remained unearthed for 80 years – could find a new home in Jersey.
The 50-page document, detailing the mission to free the islands – codenamed Operation Nestegg – will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ sale in Derby on August 13.
The find was uncovered when their current owner was looking through an assorted lot he had bought at an auction for just £10. The Operation Nestegg documents have a guide price of between £800 and £1,200.
The document was found among the possessions of Royal Naval sub-lieutenant Walter Page who served on Landing Craft Tank (LCT) 2138 in the D-Day landings. His tank was one of 900 such vehicles which played a vital role in transporting men and supplies across the English Channel.
Hansons’ militaria expert Matt Crowson said: “We would be delighted if this historically important document went to a museum or institution on the Channel Islands where its importance will be best appreciated. If it was able to be shared with the children and grandchildren of those men and women who lived through the German Occupation it would be most fitting. In fact, I can think of no better place for it to find a new home.”
Dr Sarah Buckingham, Jersey Heritage’s director of historic properties and environment, confirmed they were aware of the discovery and would be “considering its significance”.
The Operation Nestegg document shows how the British forces planned to “occupy the islands of Guernsey and Jersey as nearly simultaneously as possible by landing the occupying forces through the ports of St Peter’s Port (Guernsey) and St Helier (Jersey)”.
It includes details of how the operation would proceed, stating that: “Personnel will embark and land in khaki working dress of regulation pattern. Officers in No. 5s, or working dress as convenient.”
It is unclear how the top secret military plans came to be in the possession of sub-lieutenant Page.
Mr Crowson said: “It’s an incredible story.
“The document had been part of a dusty box of papers in a UK saleroom, the value of which was considered negligible.
“But on closer examination the vendor came across a piece of WWII history detailing the freeing of the only Nazi-occupied area of the UK.”
Mr Crowson said that the discovery was “even more special” given that the document had been found in the 80th anniversary year of Liberation Day.
“A document like this really brings home the suffering of the Channel Islanders during the German Occupation, some 2,300 of whom were deported to German prison and internment camps,” he added.
“By the time of the Liberation in 1945 many were close to starvation.
“The essential role played by the men and women involved in Operation Nestegg, and their story of freedom, cannot be underestimated.”
