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'The population were on the brink of starvation'

Priaulx LIbrary The SS Vega ship in the water in Guernsey's Saint Peter Port harbour in 1944. The white ship has two foldable masts with the red cross symbol painted on it in three locations.Priaulx LIbrary
The SS Vega first visited Jersey in December 1944 for the International Red Cross

Jersey is marking the 80th anniversary of the International Red Cross ship the SS Vega first visiting the island on 30 December 1944 during its World War Two occupation.

During its initial visit, the ship delivered more than 119,000 standard food parcels and continued its vital supply missions throughout the German occupation and after the island's liberation in May 1945.

Chris Addy, from Jersey Heritage, said the significance of the ships arrival "can't be underestimated".

He said: "As winter approached, it was extremely miserable time and the population were on the brink of starvation as they approached the end of the year."

A black and white image of The SS Vega ship in the water in Guernsey's Saint Peter Port harbour in 1944. There is a tug boat nearby and hundreds of people are waiting on the harbour net to a large crane.
The SS Vega supplied more than 119,000 standard food parcels on its first visit to the Channel Islands

The Channel Islands fell into a state of siege from their occupying forces after the Allies successfully took control of large parts of northern France after D-Day in June 1944.

Mr Addy said: "There was no access to food supplies that had been established in France.

"This was the onset of a period of extreme difficulty in terms of lack of food and resources."

There was ongoing discussion with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill on whether the Red Cross should be allowed in.

"There was concern that the parcels would be taken by the occupying forces; there was no reason to think otherwise," said Mr Addy.

'Never tasted chocolate'

The Vega was granted the right of passage and went to Guernsey first before travelling to Jersey.

Mr Addy said: "It was a wonderful Christmas/new year's gift for the islanders.

"There was a parcel for each islanders that was intended to last them one month.

"Within the parcels were all sorts of wonderful foodstuffs that people wouldn't have had for some years.

"There were bars of chocolate, dried milk, tinned fish, and meat, cheese, tea and even cigarettes.

"Children born during the occupation may have never tasted chocolate.

"It can't be underestimated the significance of the arrival of the SS Vega."

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