Wilkinson Commemorative Sword and Green Leather Scabbard Thought to be \'Twenty Fifth Anniversary of the Channel Islands Liberation\'. 19961. Swords

The blade has had the markings removed, but the basis of the sword and green leather scabbard is that of the 'Twenty Fifth Anniversary of the Channel Islands Liberation' which a limited edition was made by Wilkinson Sword craftsmen to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Channel Islands Liberation 1945-1970. The Channel Islands were occupied during World War II by German forces from 30 June 1940, until May 1945. They were liberated by British forces following the general German surrender. Considered not defendable by the British government in 1940, the islands were demilitarised and some civilians were given the opportunity to evacuate to England before the German forces arrived. The island leaders and some civil servants were asked to stay in their posts to look after the civilians in their care. 41,101 remained on Jersey, 24,429 on Guernsey and 470 on Sark. Alderney had just 18. Apart from undertaking a few commando raids, the islands were ignored by the British government until June 1944 when additional attacks on German shipping and radar units took place. To avoid starvation of civilians, permission was given for Red Cross parcels to be sent to the islands during the winter of 1944-45. Liberation would have to wait until the end of the war in Europe. The sword has a double edge plated steel blade with the acid etching having been removed *see pictures* It has a gilt metal crossguard, pommel and a very nice wire bound green leather grip *slight wear to one side*. The blade measures 32 ¾ "long. The green scabbard has only minor signs of age related wear and the brass furniture is intact. The price includes UK delivery. 19961.