Lé six d'Janvyi (sixth of January) is the anniversary of la Batâle dé Jèrri (the Battle of Jersey) which was the most patriotic jour (day) in l'almonnas (the calendar) up until lé Jour d'la Libéthâtion (Liberation day).
Since we're going to mèrtchi (mark) 800 years of s'pathâtion (separation) from la Grand' Tèrre (the Norman mainland), we shouldn't forget la dreine fais (the last time) the French tried to èrcontchéthi (reconquer) the Island.
La Batâle took place in lé Vièr Marchi (the old market, i.e. the Royal Square) and nou dit (one says) that the marks of les boulets (the bullets) can still be seen.
Les soudards (the soldiers) under the command of lé Mâjeur Pierson (Major Pierson) showed a lot of couothage (courage), but lé Mâjeur mouothit duthant la Batâle (the Major died during the Battle). Un p'tit r'gard (a little look) at la bille dé dgiêx louis (the ten pound note) is enough to ramémouaither (remind) us!
Talking of la dgèrre (war), Jersey's landscape is mèrtchi (marked) by all sorts of fortificâtions (fortifications) – the most magnificent of which is lé Vièr Châté (the Old Castle, i.e. Mont Orgueil). Lé Châté Lîzabé (Elizabeth Castle) and les ruinnes (the ruinnes) of lé Châté d'Grosnez (Grosnez Castle) are also impressive.
We've also got des tours (towers), des batt'ties (batteries), des berrèxes (barracks) et other places connected with l'histouaithe militaithe (military history) from l'Âge dé Fé (the Iron Age) to l'Otchupâtion (the Occupation).
As the old diton says: “Tchi tèrre a, dgèrre a” (who has land, has war)!
Viyiz étout: