THE final resting place of a British Commander who oversaw the Liberation of the Channel Islands has been discovered – with plans to commemorate his contribution to the War effort now under way.
Ahead of D-Day tomorrow, the British Channel Islands World War Two Remembrance Campaign has confirmed that the ashes of Brigadier Alfred Ernest Snow, commander of Force 135, are scattered at the Gardens of Remembrance at Taunton Deane Crematorium in Somerset following his death in 1983.
For many years, uncertainty surrounded the final resting place of Brigadier Snow, one of the most important figures associated with the Liberation of Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Alderney in May 1945.
The discovery follows months of research by the campaign, which made initial inquiries to St Mary Magdalene Church in Winsford, Somerset, where Brigadier Snow retired after leaving military service.
Church wardens confirmed that he was not buried in the churchyard, with subsequent investigations of probate records revealing that Brigadier Snow had requested cremation.
It was then confirmed by Somerset Council that his ashes had been interred within the crematorium’s Gardens of Remembrance. Records also showed that his cremation service took place on 3 October 1983, when he would have been 85 years old.
As commander of Force 135, the British and Commonwealth force tasked with liberating the Islands after nearly five years of German Occupation, Brigadier Snow was heavily involved in the surrender process and restoration of British authority.
Following Liberation Day in 1945, he was appointed Military Governor of the Channel Islands by King George VI and was entrusted with overseeing the transition from military administration back to civilian rule.
Campaign representatives said the discovery resolves a long-standing historical mystery and helps ensure that Brigadier Snow’s contribution to the Islands’ liberation is properly recognised.
Kev South, of the British Channel Islands World War Two Remembrance Campaign, said: “Brigadier Snow was one of the most significant figures in the liberation of the Channel Islands.
“He commanded Force 135, played a central role in the German surrender and was appointed by King George VI as Military Governor following liberation.
“For many years there has been uncertainty regarding his final resting place.
“We are delighted to have made this breakthrough and hope it will help ensure that Brigadier Snow’s service and leadership receive the recognition they deserve.”
No individual memorial to Brigadier Snow exists as his ashes were scattered within a communal remembrance area. However, the campaign is now exploring ways to commemorate Brigadier Snow’s contribution to the Liberation of the Channel Islands and ensure that future generations remain aware of his service.
