On This Day Guernsey – August 3rd
A Boy Scout’s Miraculous Fall – 1956
📜 What Happened
On 3 August 1956, a Boy Scout in Torteval fell approximately 250 feet down a steep cliff while attempting to rescue a friend’s fallen hat. Miraculously, he was caught by a strand of barbed wire before reaching the ground, saving him from what would almost certainly have been a fatal injury
Why It Matters
This incident remains a striking example of both the treacherous coastal terrain around Torteval and the prompt actions of youth groups and local volunteers who responded to the emergency. It also highlights how a moment of youthful courage — reaching for a hat — led to an extraordinary story of survival.
Where to Reflect
The cliffs near Torteval are still accessible by public footpaths. Many visitors today pause at safe viewpoints to reflect on how close human life can come to tragedy—and how unexpected events can shape community memory.
💡 Did You Know?
The story is still recalled among local Scout groups and Guernsey history aficionados. Though the exact details — such as the Scout’s name — are not widely published, the fall is consistently noted in August retrospectives and local timeline collections
Discover more from Guernsey Deep Dive
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
