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History walk retraces attempted invasion of Jersey

Société Jersiaise Illustrative image by Philip Jean shows Lieutenant Governor Mose Corbet directing the defence of St Ouen’s Bay in 1779 from overlooking heights. The image shows Lituetenant Governor Mose Corbet in a white uniform and a red and blue jacket. He is wearing a black hat.Société Jersiaise
Lieutenant Governor Mose Corbet directed the defence of St Ouen's Bay in 1779, said Société Jersiaise

A guided walk to mark nearly 250 years since the "first Battle of Jersey" will take place later.

Société Jersiaise said the walk, led by historian Ian Ronayne, would begin at St. Ouen's parish church car park at 14:00 BST.

The battle took place on 1 May 1779 when a French invasion force attempted to land in St Ouen's Bay, but they were "thwarted" on the shoreline by local forces, said the society.

Mr Ronayne said the 1779 battle was "less well-known" in comparison to the 1781 battle, but both "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," Mr Ronayne said.

Société Jersiaise said the five-mile walk would include a visit to Grantez headland and La Mielle de Morville nature reserve.

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