Aurigny is sponsoring flights for a teacher assisting the annual student exchange organised by the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry, which preserves the memory of Guernsey soldiers lost in the Battle of Les Rue Verte during World War One.
Each year, an increasing number of students visit Masnières, near Cambrai in northern France, where 400 Guernseymen were lost or wounded over three days in December 1917 while defending the small town. The students visit schools, engage in a wide range of activities, and learn about the fierce battles, remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, two students require alternative travel arrangements from the rest of the group, so Aurigny is providing their teacher with free flights to accompany them to France on 9 June.
The exchange is part of the twinning agreement between the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry (RGLI), Mayor of Masnières, and the Constables and Douzaine of St Peter Port, which aims to preserve a lasting connection between both towns.
Blanchelande College and St Sampson’s High School students will participate in the exchange this year. In April, students from Masnières visited the island and poignantly remembered the RGLI’s sacrifice while visiting the RGLI war memorial in St Peter Port as well as other activities such as visiting Herm, Fish and Chips at Cobo and touring the island.
Head of Marketing, PR and Communication at Aurigny, Sam Talbot, said: “We are passionate about supporting initiatives that uphold the memory of islanders who lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom. The RGLI has a fascinating story as Britain’s only French-speaking regiment and the last of the Pals’ battalions.
“By sponsoring the flight, we are proud to assist the RGLI in their mission to provide vital education and awareness around such a pivotal moment in our island’s history.”
RGLI Chairman and Trustee, Chris Oliver, said: “The team is proud to have developed many positive initiatives in cultural diplomacy between our communities, stemming from those dark, terrible days and the costly losses of Guernsey’s own ‘Norman Ten Hundred’ in World War One. The successful defence of Masnières had a dreadful impact and marked the end of a generation in Guernsey, where hardly a family on the island remained untouched. Now, freedom has grown into friendship and a generational legacy, as we grow the numbers every year.
“We’re very grateful to Nico and his team at Aurigny for helping our next generation learn, interact, and grow through their sponsorship. It’s a pause for thought that we might wonder what those who gave up their lives might think of this journey today. A brighter reflection of their sacrifice that has become known as ‘Guernsey’s Finest Hour’.”
