ALMOST 100 people remembered those who suffered in Alderney during the Second War at a service held at the island’s Hammond Memorial on Sunday. The memorial was built by Babs Tinson, born Hammond, and her brothers, Jack and Bert, as a reminder of the German Occupation and the many slave workers who died in the island. An ecumenical service has taken place every year since 1966.

Patsy Martel, Babs Tinson’s daughter, said the memorial was an honour to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

‘They just thought everybody should be remembered and not just the French. They lost two brothers during the First World War; one is buried in Belgium and the other in Northern France, so they wanted to do something in their memory. I think it’s important that people do not forget.’

Her sister, Sally Bohan, stressed the importance of the service for young people.

‘The service will carry on through the years and it’s vital that it does,’ she said. ‘Young people growing up have to be aware of the terrible things that happened in their island.’

Her feelings were echoed by the Rev. Arthur Mignot, who conducted part of the service.

‘As time goes by, obviously those who remember the terrible years of the Occupation will get fewer and fewer,’ he said.

‘But hopefully, with the Hammond Memorial here, it will help young people keep alive the prayers and feelings of those who want peace. So many people are massacred in the world today; I only wish people could be more caring.’

John Gatrell, who has attended the service for over 20 years, said it was an important event in the island.

‘It’s essential that we remember the suffering of those incarcerated during the war; and the fact that there were concentration camps here makes the horrors even worse,’ he said.

Alderney was the only place in the British Isles to have concentration camps and there were four altogether. Slaves came from all over Europe and Russia and were forced to build the island’s military fortifications.

It is hoped that French survivors will attend the service next year to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the war.