Amazing tale of the Guernsey evacuation boys

THE inspirational tale of 300 Guernsey schoolboys who were evacuated to Oldham during the Second World War is the subject of a new exhibition.

The display, at the Local Studies and Archives Centre in Union Street, follows the youngsters’ journey to safety.

Following the occupation of France by the Germans in June, 1940, all school-age children on the Channel island of Guernsey were given the opportunity to escape to England.

The boys from Guernsey arrived at Oldham Mumps on June 22, 1940, and over the next few weeks were billeted with families in and around Oldham until the war ended in May, 1945.

The display includes photographs and reminiscences recording the experiences of the boys in Oldham, perhaps the most surprising being that of Sylvester Rabey who played for Oldham Athletic.

If you have any information about the Guernsey Boys or any evacuees to Oldham, staff at the Local Studies and Archives would like to hear from you.

There is a free talk about the Guernsey Boys on Wednesday, June 16, at 7pm at the centre. Call 0161-770 4654 or send an e-mail to archives@oldham.gov.uk for more information.