Alderney World War Two homecoming commemorated on new miniature sheet

The emotional and difficult homecoming of the people of Alderney to their island in the weeks following the end of World War Two is commemorated on a new miniature sheet.

The miniature sheet, designed by Robin Carter, comprises a £3 stamp which shows a ship returning to Alderney, with the rest of the harbour background reproduced on the minature sheet, which carries the words: '70th anniversary of Alderney homecoming. On 15th December 1945 people began to return to Alderney following five years of exile during World War Two'.

A WAR-BATTERED ISLAND
The Channel island of Alderney was hugely affected by World War Two; most of its population was evacuated to mainland Britain in June 1940 and during the war, Alderney was occupied by Hitler's troops who used forced labour to build defences as part of an 'Atlantic Wall'. Prisoners were kept in concentration camps and many of the island's buildings were destroyed in a quest for building materials.

When the island's residents returned in the December of 1945, they found a landscape of mass graves, concrete fortifications and derelict buildings. The islanders would work over the coming years to restore their island to normality and it is now a popular visitor destination.

The miniature sheet, issued by Alderney Post, is also accompanied by a first day cover and presentation pack. For more information, visit the Alderney Post website.

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(Image copyright Alderney Post)