Jersey (The Channel Islands)
    I put Jersey (Channel Islands) top of this list simply because the events on that island culminated in the largest action fought in British Home waters during the conflict. (Jersey also happens to be a rather nice place to holiday.) For those who wish to know more of the battle/campaign we cannot recommend highly enough--------

    Most of the sites involved in the landing by French forces under Baron de Rullecourt and events of the 6th of January still exist, the most prominent being the Royal Square St Hellier and Elizabeth castle.Royal Square being the site of the rather bloody final battle as depicted in J.S. Copley's famous painting. The painting in itself is of interest to the military historian as it is reputed to be the most accurate portrayal of any battle of the period which possibly accounts for its appearance in so many articles on the American Revolution.

THE DEATH OF PIERSON
(The Tate Gallery, London)

     The painting's view is from PIERSON PLACE, into Royal Square (At that time-the MARKET PLACE) at the point when 24 year old, Pierson Was shot. Much still remains though the hill overlooking the square, from which the "North Militia" and companies of the 78th and 95th Regiments poured volleys into the fighting, is now occupied by a Napoleonic bastion.
    Pierson place itself still shows some signs of the ferocity of the fighting with several musket ball marks to the walls. ( The "public house" to which the wall now belongs  "THE PIERSON" stocks some goodly varieties of beverage.) But it is the small area of the square, in which many hundreds of troops fought, that brings home the intensity of the fighting.
    Pierson, De Rullecourt (French commander) and a number of soldiers killed during the fighting were all laid to rest in St Helier's Parish Church. Pierson In front of the Pulpit while De Rullecourt rests outside the old West door. Should you visit the church please remember it is principally a place of worship rather than a museum.
    Several other smaller sights still exist however the most impressive is the one which first showed determined resistance to the French landing, Elizabeth Castle. (It is thanks to German gunners, during the occupation, firing at allied aircraft at the close of World War 11, that Elizabeth Castle has the distinction of  being the last British Castle ever to fire in anger.)

    Elizabeth castle is worth a visit from a military architectural point of view alone, as its defences range from Pre Norman right through to the WW2 additions built during German occupation of the island. The nicely arranged museum inside the castle houses several interesting exhibits and traces the castles long history and development.
NOTE At high tide the castle is cut off from the shore, there is a ferry service thanks to amphibious vehicles but this service may be cancelled in rough weather.

    JERSEY is also blessed with a wealth of history, from ancient to more recent times. Of these one must quote the infamous "German underground Hospital" built by SLAVE LABOUR for a number of reasons it is worth the short trip.

    Other places worth a visit are to name but a few are, Gory Castle and Jersey Weigh bridge Museum, the later being one of the best laid out/hands on Museums I've visited.

    On the "living history" front, HAMPTONNE FARM is a must see/visit as it is home to a really good first person impression of period life from the lady "Goodwife". Try as you might you will not be able to fool this good lady and ample performer, to come out of period, you might even pick up a few ideas for your period on the use of herbs---I did!.

Eating, Sleeping Getting There and Getting Around
    With the French coast but a few miles away and an abundance of  wholesome ingredients, there are massive amounts of wonderful eating establishments, all serving up top quality Jersey food. For myself I probably look back to my initial visits to Jersey, as to my upwards spiralling waistline.
    Accommodation is again extensive and ranges from inexpensive B&B, up to top class hotels, it is however worth pointing out that JERSEY is a Very popular holiday resort and its worth booking well ahead of any visit, particularly if you wish to visit during Jersey's World famous battle of the flowers.
TRANSPORT
    There are regular air services from most European Airports to Jersey (One of the Worlds busiest airports), from mainland UK this is usually about 3/4 of an hour.

    By SEA there are fast regular ferry crossings from Poole and Weymouth and traditional ferry crossings from Portsmouth operated by CONDOR FERRIES
 Tel: 01305 761551
 Fax: 01305 760776

Travel within the island
    As with Boston I advise any visitor to go by BUS or if Wallet allows Taxi, hiring a car seems to be a total waste as parking is no easy matter, also come rush hour driving around becomes a nightmare, perhaps "be good to yourself" and hire a bike or even walk.

Things to see and do.
    There is a vast range of activities and attractions, amongst which must be "THE BATTLE OF THE FLOWERS"---see the JERSEY tourist board web site. However with as stated France a few miles away and island hopping by hydrofoil to the other islands in the chain or visit to France is an EASY choice. Fishing and all water sports are naturally big while for the golfer there are a couple of good courses.
    For the twitcher (birdwatcher) the North Coast and and ELIZABETH castle seem to be particularly good places. And for the walker there are some lovely paths to transverse. In short if you want to keep the family happy while indulging in your military hobby or interests THE ISLAND of JERSEY takes some beating.
Useful Sites
JERSEY TOURIST BOARD For accommodation visit Stayfinder a very good web site and official Jersey Hospitality web site

AS I HAVE AS YET NOT VISITED ANY OF THESE PLACES, OR BEEN ABLE TO GAIN ANY REAL INFORMATION ON THE LANDMARKS QUOTED I CAN BUT GIVE A SHORT EXPLANATION TO THEIR RELEVANCE AND GIVE LINKS TO LOCAL TOURIST BOARD OR HISTORIC WEB SITES. IF ANY OF YOU DO VISIT THEM PLEASE SEND YOUR VIEWS, IMFO AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACCUMULATED KNOWLEDGE.
    It should also be noted that neither of the following web sites seems to have any imfo on John Paul Jones, however they happen to be the only tourist web sites for their areas, they are therefore quoted. As yet I have failed to find any for St Mary's Isle.