Eric Hamon, John Langley & Barbara Hutchings (left to right in the photo, Eric is about to shake the hand of Prince Marina 1947), Escaped from Rozel on the 8th of October 1944. 

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In October 1944, Eric Hamon, John Langley, and Barbara Hutchings devised a daring plan to escape from Jersey during World War II. The trio aimed to reach the American forces in Normandy and had identified a small fishing boat moored in the harbour of Rozel as their means of escape. The harbour, however, was heavily guarded by German forces, prompting the young group to strategise their approach carefully. They chose to swim across the bay at night to avoid detection, intending to retrieve the boat and return to Barbara for the final leg of their journey.

 

On the evening of their escape, the three set off on bicycles to a hill overlooking Rozel Bay, where they were met by two friends who would return their bikes post-departure. After navigating a cliff path, John suffered a mishap when he slipped and broke their compass, creating additional challenges for the group. Nevertheless, they proceeded with their plan, with Eric and John swimming through the dark waters to the boat while leaving Barbara hidden in the bushes. They managed to secure the boat without being noticed by the German sentry.

 

The situation became more precarious when the boat nearly capsized but was saved by a fortunate tidal surge. The boys got the boat back to Barbra, she realised that John had succumbed to the cold and was becoming incapacitated. After ensuring John’s recovery, the three loaded the boat with the engine and equipment and prepared to set off across the sea under the cover of darkness, relying on Eric's prior knowledge of local tide patterns instead of their broken compass.

 

The weather worsened as they navigated the challenging waters, and Eric eventually recognised they were near the Écréhous, marking their position about halfway between Jersey and the French coast. With the rising sun aiding their navigation, they continued their journey until a beach came into view—after approximately four hours at sea. They carefully approached the shore, coming upon a harbour at Carteret, where they successfully completed their journey.

 

Upon landing, they were welcomed by American soldiers, which confirmed their success in escaping from German-occupied territory. The locals helped haul their boat onto the slipway, which was eventually returned to its owner post-war. The Americans transported the trio to Carteret Centre HQ, where they enjoyed a hearty meal before being taken by jeep to Cherbourg and then onward to the United Kingdom. Their adventure concluded with them being debriefed in London by military authorities, marking the end of a perilous but victorious escape.

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