Two oak trees have been planted as a lasting memorial to Guernsey Freemasons who served in times of war, at a presentation marking the 110th anniversary of the island’s volunteer military contingent.
The event took place at Freemasons’ Hall in St Martin’s on Thursday 13 August and provided an opportunity to reflect on Guernsey’s military heritage, the history of its Masonic community and the volunteers who left the island to serve overseas.
The presentation explored the experiences of local Freemasons during the First and Second World Wars, as well as the significance of the two oak trees as a living symbol of remembrance.
Brotherhood and service to others have long been at the heart of Freemasonry, and many Guernsey Freemasons, past and present, served in the military.
This year marked the 110th anniversary of the deployment of Guernsey Militia volunteers to France and Flanders in 1916 and the formation of the island’s own Royal Guernsey Light Infantry (RGLI).
Guernsey’s unique constitutional position within the British Isles meant that, historically, no Guernseyman could be compelled to fight in a foreign war except where the life of the monarch was considered to be in jeopardy. As a result, the majority of those who went to war did so voluntarily, answering the call to serve.
For the Masonic lodges of Guernsey and Alderney, the First World War was a particularly dark period. Brothers served in a wide variety of regiments and, in some cases, in the armed forces of other nations. They included both professional soldiers and volunteers.
Tragically, many of those who went to war never returned home.
The presentation considered the contribution made by local Freemasons and the importance of remembering those who served, as well as the sacrifices made by previous generations.
The oak trees were planted as a tangible connection between the past, present and future. The oak has long been associated with strength, endurance and remembrance, with trees capable of surviving for generations and their acorns providing a reminder of those yet to come.
Alongside the ceremony, Phil Falla, Provincial Grand Master and head of Freemasonry for Guernsey and Alderney, and other local Freemasons, welcomed two members of the Men of Trees group to the newly created garden at the Guernsey Masonic Centre. The visitors presented four different tree saplings, which will be cared for by Freemasons in memory of both Masons and non-Masons who lost their lives fighting for peace in Europe during the First World War.
A plaque has been installed among the trees to commemorate the occasion, while another plaque inside the Masonic Centre records the names of Freemasons from the Bailiwick who lost their lives in the war.
The new trees will provide shade within the garden, which is intended as a place for quiet reflection on those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Phil Falla said: “We were truly grateful to the Men of Trees for their donation to this cause. The garden will offer a peaceful space for reflection, and these trees will stand in memory of all those who gave their lives for others.”
Brett Williams, who organised the presentation, said: “I hope that these trees will stand as a reminder of what local Freemasons have sacrificed.”
The two oaks, along with the newly planted saplings, will now provide a living memorial to those who served, growing through future generations and helping ensure that the service and sacrifice of those who came before are not forgotten.
