Commemorative walk to mark overlooked ‘first battle of Jersey’

Local historian Ian Ronayne will lead a free guided walk commemorating dramatic events taking place in Jersey nearly 250 years ago.

On 1 May 1779, a French invasion force attempted to land in St Ouen’s Bay, only to be thwarted on the shoreline by local forces.

The walk, which is being supported by the Société Jersiaise, takes place on Sunday 27 April 2025, will examine this important historic event in places it happened and remember the resolve of those who helped ensure the Island remains British to this day.

Seen as a prelude to the more famous Battle of Jersey that led to the death of Major Peirson in 1781, the ‘first battle of Jersey’ two years earlier is less well known among Islanders. War with France had recently started, following a French intervention in the American Revolution taking place on the other side of the Atlantic.

Determined to eliminate Jersey as a base for privateers raiding his shipping, the French King supported an attack on the Island led by flamboyant noble adventurer, the Prince of Nassau. Poor weather led to the invasion force delayed and misplaced in St Ouen’s Bay, where local troops commanded by the Island’s Lieutenant Governor managed to defeat an attempted landing. While winning acclaim for his actions on that occasion, Moses Corbet would end up the villain in many eyes two years later after surrendering to Baron de Rullecourt during the Battle of Jersey.

“We rightly commemorate the events of 1781 each year, and many Islanders will be aware what happened during the Battle of Jersey,” explained Mr Ronayne. “The events taking place in St Ouen’s Bay two years earlier are less well known but involve equally fascinating characters and could have also resulted in Jersey falling into French hands had circumstances been different. It’s a remarkable story that I believe we should be more aware of. I’m grateful to the Société Jersiaise for its support and helping with arrangements.”

Commenting, Société Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Bailhache added: “Our organisation, which celebrated its 150 th anniversary in 2023, is pleased to be involved in this commemorative walk. The study of the Island’s history’s is one of the Société’s important aims, and we have a history section dedicated to this purpose. Ian’s commemorative walk presents further opportunities for our members and Islanders to learn about and enjoy Jersey’s fascinating past in the places history happened.”

Pictured: Illustrative image showing Lieutenant Governor Mose Corbet directing the defence of St Ouen’s Bay in 1779 from overlooking heights (by Philip Jean)