08 May HISTORIC CONVOY DEPARTS FROM POOLE FOR GUERNSEY LIBERATION DAY
On Tuesday 06 May, Condor Voyager departed on a special sailing carrying 120 vintage military vehicles destined for Guernsey’s Liberation Day 80th Anniversary commemorations.
The additional sailing was organised specifically to transport this extraordinary convoy of World War II-era vehicles, which will take part in the annual Liberation Day cavalcade on 09 May 2025— a significant event marking the Channel Island’s freedom from German occupation in 1945.
The collection included iconic 1940s vehicles such as Willys jeeps, ambulances, command cars, motorcycles, and a rare German amphibious vehicle. Also on board were a range of larger lorries including Humber Heavy Utility and Canadian Military Pattern trucks. Heavier military machinery — including half-tracks, gun tractors and ambulances — are being transported via Portsmouth aboard Islander on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Vehicle owners and enthusiasts travelled from across southern England, Wales, Norfolk, Lancashire, and even as far afield as Nijmegen in the Netherlands, to be part of this historic occasion.
Guernsey’s Liberation Day has been marked annually on 09 May since 1945, and remains one of the island’s most important dates — a tribute to resilience, community, and peace after five years of occupation during the Second World War.
This unique sailing reflects the Port of Poole’s ongoing role in supporting not only commercial and passenger transport but also commemorative and cultural events of international importance.