9 May 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Channel Islands from five long years of German Occupation, July 1940 – May 1945. Fortunately for Force 135 of the British Liberation Army and the islanders, in 1945 there was no opposition from the 26,000 strong German garrison.
 
This new edition describes the planning of Operation ‘Nestegg’, the training and objectives of Force 135, and the reoccupation, reorganisation and rehabilitation of the Channel Islands between September 1943 and 31 August 1945. The first edition (2000) focused on September 1943 to 30 May 1945 and was described as the ‘definitive history of the Liberation of the Channel Islands’. This second edition supersedes the first as a revised and expanded definitive history.
 
Author Mark Lamerton has, over the years, met a plethora of Force 135 veterans, their relatives, and those who experienced 9 May 1945 first hand. Other historians, military enthusiasts, students and inquisitive visitors have also been invaluable to his research. This work has been twenty-six years in the making.
 
This edition is limited to 500 copies and comes in a two volume set; 250 in a numbered limited edition 75th Anniversary special commemorative slip case (£48.00) and 250 loose (£39.00). Each volume contains approximately 600 pages and is profusely illustrated throughout. Every chapter has an extensive reference section, images are referenced for ease of obtaining copies, and appendices and index are included in Volume II. This publication is a ‘must have’ for those with a passion for this unique period of Channel Island history.
 
For those in Guernsey who have pre-ordered and those wishing to order book sets please contact Mark Lamerton. Payment can be made by bank transfer to ensure you don’t miss this unique opportunity of obtaining this limited edition.
Email: liberationlamerton@gmail.com
Website: www.force135.je

My interest in the Liberation of the Channel Islands began in 1994, when I was living in South Wales and planning to return to Jersey for the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation in 1995, and realised that I didn’t know much about this important period of Channel Island history. My interest soon developed into a long-term research project of Force 135 and Operation ‘Nestegg’ from September 1943 to August 1945.

 Since my last publication in 2000, Liberated by Force 135, I have continued my research, not only adding new information to my original manuscript, but also completed additional chapters covering the period between June and August 1945. The aim is to publish my research in time for the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation, which describes the planning of Operation ‘Nestegg’, training and objectives of Force 135, reoccupation, reorganisation and rehabilitation of the Channel Islands between September 1943 and 31st August, 1945. My first publication, which focused on September 1943 to 30th May, 1945, received good reviews and was described as the definitive history of the Liberation of the Channel Islands. No other in-depth publication specifically on the Liberation was available prior to my earlier book or has been produced since. The revised and expanded publication will supersede my previous book as the definitive history.

The second publication will include a bibliography at the end of each chapter giving details and references of the documents used for ease of access by the reader. The source of images used to accompany the text will also be acknowledged including the reference.

The project is self funded and published, not a profit making venture, and therefore I hope to recover the cost of having the book printed, while keeping the retail price affordable. It is a labour of love and the reward is to see my twenty-six years of research in print. The print run will be limited to five-hundred, with at least two hundred and fifty in Liberation 75 commemorative numbered slip cases.

Over the years I have had the privilege of meeting a plethora of people with a similar interest, including Force 135 veterans, their relatives, those who experienced 9th May 1945 first hand, historians, archivists, military enthusiasts, students and inquisitive visitors, which has been invaluable to my research. I hope those reading this publication enjoy it as much as I have researching it over the years.
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The importance of Liberation Day must never be forgotten so that 9th May is kept as Jersey and Guernsey’s special day for future generations to enjoy their freedom; a day of joyous celebration and peaceful reflection.

Back in 2000 I had the pleasure of getting a write up of my book, Liberated by Force 135 it's first publication, feature in the Battlefields Review magazine. Excited to announce a double volume book is in the works!