Denis Vibert’s story is one of determination and resilience. Faced with the isolation of Nazi-occupied Jersey, he risked his life in a dangerous escape attempt that demanded courage, endurance, and resourcefulness. His journey stands out as a remarkable act of defiance in challenging circumstances.
Born on 19 January 1919 in Jersey, Vibert was the third son of Thomas and Florence Vibert (née Touzel). According to the Vibert Family website, he studied at H.M.S. Worcester Thames Nautical Training College and London University. During World War II, Vibert became the only person known to have successfully escaped from German-occupied Jersey to England by boat.
In November 1940, Vibert attempted his first escape by rowing. He planned to row from Jersey to rocks south of Guernsey, hide there by day, and continue to England the following night. Although he reached the rocks, a change in weather forced him to remain there for four days. Ill with influenza and unable to proceed, he returned to Jersey, but his boat was wrecked en route, requiring him to swim a quarter of a mile to shore. His absence went unnoticed by the German authorities.
In early 1941, the Germans ordered all boats to be taken to designated harbours. Anticipating this, Vibert acquired an 8-foot boat named Ragamuffin, which he concealed at his home. He obtained two outboard motors and siphoned petrol from a German lorry to fuel his escape. The boat and supplies were smuggled to a prepared spot on the beach.
Vibert’s second attempt took place on a calm night later that year. Shortly after setting off, two German patrol boats passed nearby, creating a wash that flooded his vessel and ruined his food supply. He rowed four miles out to sea before using his motor. By dawn, he was 15 miles west of Guernsey. While attempting to refill the petrol tank, rough seas caused water to enter the engine, rendering it unusable. His attempt to install a backup engine failed when it fell overboard.
Without power, Vibert rowed for two days without food or water. He eventually adjusted his course toward Weymouth, fearing the current would carry him too far west. Lieutenant Commander Frederick Thoughton of HMS Brocklesby spotted Vibert and brought him aboard. After interrogation in Plymouth and London, MI5 confirmed his identity with the help of a fellow Jerseyman, Denys Richardson. Vibert then reunited with his parents in Berkshire before joining the RAF as a bomber pilot.
During his RAF service, Vibert married Ruth Meynell in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in 1943. After the war, he studied at the Quebec Provincial School of Design. He and Ruth later settled in Sullivan, Maine, where they ran Pine Tree Kiln, producing pottery for over 50 years. Vibert was known for his glazes and utility pieces, some of which featured hand-painted designs. His work appeared in major exhibitions, including displays at the DeCordova Museum, the Worcester Museum, and a Smithsonian touring show.
Denis Vibert died on 25 September 2004 in Bangor, Maine. His memorial service in Jersey featured his boat ‘Ragamuffin’ as a tribute to his escape and life journey. In 2005, as part of Jersey’s Liberation celebrations, a rowing boat retraced his escape route across the English Channel.
Orlando Echeverri – SJPA Project Archivist
Accompanied by:
SJPA/2015/8 – The collection contains two photographs depicting HMS Brocklesby, the ship that rescuedVibert.
SJPA/2016/11– The collection contains a photograph presents Denis Vibert and his wife, Ruth, in St Augustine, Florida, United States. The collection also contains a letter from Vibert to the donor, thanking him for a photograph of HMS Brocklesby, the ship that rescued Vibert, on which the donor’s father served. Both the photo and the letter are stored inside an envelope with an Airmail stamp. The address of Mr Vibert when the letter was sent is: Vibert, Pine Tree Kil, W. Sullivan, Maine, 04689. The letter was sent to Mr and Mrs Andrew Pitt, Crunkly Gill, La Grande Piece, St. Peter, Jersey.
