John Leale

Sir John Leale was a Guernsey Jurat, who during World War Two assumed the role as President of the States of Guernsey Controlling Committee during the Occupation of the Island by the Germans in World War II. He was also a Methodist minister.[1]

Leale assumed his role at the head of the executive committee following the deportation of his predecessor, Ambrose Sherwill. Leale conducted his role with a considerable degree of skill, although, like his peers on the Controlling Committee, he had never had any training in diplomatic relations. He prioritised passive collaboration with the Germans in the interests of his charge, the islanders. Therefore, he took a dim view of acts of resistance. As such, he and Bailiff Victory Carey have been the subjects of considerable criticism. Nevertheless, Leale comes across as an intelligent and compassionate man, and was willing to stand firm against the Germans where he considered that they were in violation of the Hague Convention, which after the war he stated that the controlling committee had 'wed' themselves to.[2]

He was knighted on 11 December 1945,[1][3][4] despite being labeled a traitor during the German occupation.[5]

An avenue[6] and a building[7] on Guernsey are named after him.

References

  1. 1 2 John Leale (1892-1969) "The Island wiki" Accessed February 14, 2016
  2. ↑ Sanders, Paul. The British Channel Islands Under German Occupation: 1940-1945. [St. Helier]: Societe Jersiaise, 2005. pp.
  3. ↑ "Viewing the raising the Union flag on the Liberation of Guernsey". PHOTOS FROM HISTORY - Deane Photographic Archives. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
  4. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 37383. p. 6021. 7 December 1945.
  5. ↑ "Two Channel Islanders Attacked As "Traitors" Are Knighted By King". The Lethbridge Herald. 28 December 1945. p. 1. Retrieved 22 March 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ Fuse2 - Quikpixel. "Sir John Leale Avenue". Guernsey Housing Association. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
  7. ↑ "Sir John Leale House, Guelle Road". Martel Maides. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
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