I have been fascinated by the history of the Bailiwick of Guernsey since I was a small child. Growing up in Guernsey I became particularly interested in the occupation of the Channel Islands by German forces during the Second World War.
After all there are many remaining fortifications to remind us of this part of our history. As a teenager and into later life I spent many hours exploring them.
I was lucky enough to be able to talk to various people over the years about their experiences during the occupation and collect various documents.
During lockdown I started listening to the We Have Ways of Making You Talk Podcast, joined their Independent Company and joined their weekly live streams. This has led to some fascinating interactions with fellow members, both online and in person at WarFest in September 2020.
Other members and sharing of their family stories has spurred me on to put something down in writing about what life was like during the occupation. The fortification of the islands and military activity from both sides. Lots of photos and stories to follow.
Surprisingly despite the many books on the subject there are also some aspects that haven’t been addressed. I will be looking at these areas as well.
If you are a member of the Independent Company never fear, there will also be concrete bunkers and things that go bang!
If you have read this far and are still awake feel free to sign up to the mailing list, follow the blog on Twitter @fortress_island.
Thanks for reading.
Nick Le Huray
