Castle Cornet – 201 Squadron Museum is located in St. Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. Castle Cornet itself is a historic fortress that has been a prominent feature of the island for centuries. The 201 Squadron Museum is housed within the castle and focuses on the history and heritage of No. 201 Squadron, a unit of the Royal Air Force (RAF), as well as the role of aviation in the defense of the Channel Islands, particularly during World War II.

Castle Cornet-201 Squadron Museum

St Peter Port harbor

GY1 6JN, Guernsey

United Kingdom

www.museums.gov.gg/squadron201

museums@gov.gg

+44 1481 726518

16 February – 22 March

• Daily 10:00 – 15:00

23 March – 4 November

• Daily 10:00 – 17:00 (July – August 09:30 – 17:00)

Admission fee

Within the ancient walls of the Castle are five museums to be visited at your leisure.

The Story of Castle Cornet

201 Squadron (RAF) Museum This museum celebrates the history and exploits of 201 Squadron, its pilots and the planes they flew.

Maritime Museum (including maritime art gallery)

Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Museum

Royal Guernsey Militia Museum

Highlights of the Castle Cornet – 201 Squadron Museum:

1. History of No. 201 Squadron RAF:
   • No. 201 Squadron was formed in 1915 during World War I and later reformed during World War II. The squadron had a significant role in maritime reconnaissance, operating long-range patrol aircraft.
   • During World War II, the squadron was involved in anti-submarine warfare and played an important part in defending the Channel Islands against German occupation.
   • The museum showcases the squadron’s history, including its activities in the Battle of the Atlantic, as well as its involvement in coastal defense and search-and-rescue missions in the area.
2. Aircraft and Aviation Displays:
   • The museum has a number of model aircraft, including WWII-era flying boats and patrol aircraft, which were used by No. 201 Squadron in its operations.
   • The museum highlights various aircraft types that the squadron used, such as:
     • Short Sunderland: A British flying boat used primarily for reconnaissance and anti-submarine operations. The squadron operated these aircraft to patrol the waters surrounding the Channel Islands.
     • Consolidated Liberator: Another aircraft used for anti-submarine warfare and long-range reconnaissance missions.
   • The museum also features displays of the Avro Lancaster bomber and other aircraft that played a role in the broader defense efforts in the region during the war.
3. Guernsey and the Channel Islands During WWII:
   • The museum provides a detailed history of the German occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII. Guernsey, along with the other Channel Islands, was the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by the Germans.
   • The museum explores the military history of the islands, including the role of the RAF, the German forces, and the defense systems that were put in place during this period.
   • Visitors can learn about the fortifications built by the Germans and the ongoing efforts of both local resistance movements and the RAF to counter the occupation.
4. The Role of Castle Cornet:
   • Castle Cornet itself played a key role during WWII, serving as a strategic military post and symbol of defense for the island. The castle was heavily involved in the wartime efforts, housing various military units, including those from the RAF and other branches of the British armed forces.
   • The museum’s exhibits include information about the castle’s military importance, particularly as a defensive stronghold, and its role in the defense of St. Peter Port, Guernsey’s main harbor.
   • The castle also hosted the Royal Navy, who used it as a base to launch operations and maintain a presence in the Channel Islands during the war.
5. Aviation Memorabilia and Artifacts:
   • The museum features an impressive collection of aviation memorabilia, including uniforms, medals, photographs, and documents. These artifacts reflect the lives and experiences of the personnel who served in 201 Squadron, as well as the broader military personnel stationed in Guernsey.
   • There are also wartime letters, personal accounts, and diaries from airmen and soldiers who were stationed on the island or served in the Channel Islands during WWII.
   • The museum also has a range of technical equipment from aircraft, such as instruments, maps, and radar technology that were used during the squadron’s operations.

Photos Marcel van Leeuwen