Tag: Food

APRIL 1943 PODCAST IS OUT! 18 ARRESTED AND TRIED IN JERSEY, SINKING SHIPS, RAF RAIDS AND MORE!

This episode delves into the experiences of the Channel Islands during the German occupation in World War II, focusing on the crackdown on radios, the arrests of resistance members, the role of women in wartime labour, rationing issues, and the impact of air raids. We discuss various incidents, including trials, sabotage, and the fate of escaped Frenchmen, while also reflecting on community responses to the occupation and the use of art as propaganda by German soldiers.

Also looking at RAF air raids and their impact on rationing, a funeral for downed airmen and much more.

  • The crackdown on radios was a significant aspect of German control.
  • Resistance members faced severe consequences, including trials and harsh sentences.
  • Women were called upon to fill labor shortages during the occupation.
  • Rationing and food supply issues were critical challenges for civilians.
  • Air raids had a profound impact on the islands and their inhabitants.
  • The Germans used propaganda to maintain control and suppress dissent.
  • Sabotage and resistance activities were met with harsh reprisals.
  • The fate of escaped Frenchmen highlighted the dangers of resistance.
  • Community responses to occupation varied, with some supporting resistance efforts.
  • The legacy of these events continues to be remembered and commemorated.

Some pictures relevant to this episode are below.

Notice from the Jersey Evening Post. A similar notice, with some of the words highlighted in bold, was published in the Guernsey Press.
UK NATIONAL ARCHIVES DEFE 2/1296
Coastal defence of the Channel Islands: report by Major G E Rice.
Includes 153 photographs depicting: Fortifications after German occupation of Channel Islands photographs taken by Major G G Rice. Dated 1945.

More details about the Wellington Bomber and a funeral parade by the Germans can be found here 431 Squadron Wellington X HE213 SE-F Sgt. Bidmead.

You can catch all our episodes on this link.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading the blog post.

I also co-host a podcast with Keith Pengelley in which we talk about the occupation of the Channel Islands month by month using first hand accounts, diaries and our research in the archives. You can find us on all the major podcast services. Just search “Islands at War” or visit our podcast page here.

You can also follow the blog on Twitter at @Fortress_Island where I share other information and photographs. If you prefer Facebook I also have a page there. 

If you would like to receive email notifications of future blogs, you can sign up to the right of this blog post or here. Feel free to look around the website, where I have categorised posts to make them easier to find and other resources such as tours, places to visit and films that may be of interest.

If you have questions or information to share you can contact me by email on Contact@Island-Fortress.Com.

You can also find articles, podcasts, TV appearances and other social media etc here.


I will be adding more as time permits. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you enjoyed it. Please share it on social media or add a comment if you did. Feedback is always appreciated.

Also happy to be contacted with questions about the war in the Channel Islands, media appearances, podcasts etc.

© Nick Le Huray

JANUARY 1943 – PART ONE – SHIPPING SHOCKER, AIR RAIDS, A CRAFTY FRENCHMAN, PARTIES AND MUCH MORE!

It is January 1943 and as with December 1942 it will be a two episode month because so much happened.   

In the first January 1943 episode Keith and Nick talk about:- 

  • New Year Parties – some have more fun than others.
  • A crafty French trader who is hedging his political and financial bets.
  • A shocking month for German shipping including the Schokland, VP703 and a Minesweeper.
  • Appalling treatment of Russians onboard the Xaver Dorsch.
  • Multiple air raids including hedge hopping Americans.
  • Orders, Orders Orders….

Xaver Dorsch (Photo from archeosousmarine.net)

DECEMBER1942 – PART 1 BLACK MARKET, PROHIBITED ZONES, FORCED REGISTRATION FOR LABOUR, REGISTRATION OF GUESTS, RUMOURS OF GERMAN DEPARTURE!

In this episode of Islands at War, hosts Keith Pengelley and Nick Le Huray delve into the complexities of life in Guernsey during the German occupation in December 1942.

They discuss the establishment of prohibited zones, the registration of local labour for German work, and the pervasive rumours of German withdrawal. The conversation also touches on the economic challenges faced by the islanders, including supply shortages and the rise of the black market. As Christmas approaches, the hosts reflect on the struggles of families to celebrate amidst scarcity, and the ongoing efforts to control communication and information flow by the occupying forces.

Takeaways

  • The establishment of prohibited zones was a significant military strategy.
  • Local labour registration was a contentious issue during the occupation.
  • Rumours of German withdrawal circulated widely among the islanders.
  • Supply increases were often misleading and did not reflect true availability.
  • The black market thrived due to resource scarcity and economic pressures.
  • Christmas in 1942 was marked by hardship and creativity in celebrations.
  • Wireless communication remained a point of control for the Germans.
  • The Germans used fear tactics to maintain control over the population.
  • Local responses to German policies varied, with some pushing back against labour demands.
  • The impact of the occupation on daily life was profound and multifaceted.

So much to talk about that has often been overlooked, covered here and in part two which will follow.

EXCITING NEWS! THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER!

It has been a long time coming, mostly because I just wanted to get it right, partly because I kept finding things that needed to to given the proper attention they deserved.

Aside from a few short articles over the years nobody has written about those that escaped from Guernsey or Alderney. There was a very short print run book about escapes from Jersey but other than that little is written about them.

I explore the whole dilemma of escaping and leaving friends and family behind, the changing attitudes of those in Government to these escapes, and the risks that people took.

These escapes were also very important for military intelligence in the England as well as those that were evacuated before the occupation and desperate for news of loved ones.

I also deal with some aspect of commando raids and espionage during the occupation.

You can pre-order it here.

WW2TV & HISTORY UNDERGROUND VISIT GUERNSEY & ALDERNEY. GREAT FOOTAGE FOR YOU TO WATCH!

A few weeks it was great to welcome Paul Woodadge and Mag from WW2TV along with JD from History Underground to Guernsey.

They live streamed some videos as well as recording some other video for future use.

They had lots of activities organised for them by Visit Guernsey but on their afternoon off I showed them around a few places. The video below is talking about Operation Anger & Operation Ambassador and how Al Murray challenged the view that Ambassador was a disaster when Nick met him in September.

Woody then streamed from further around the cliffs.

I then took them to the German Cemetery at Fort George.

We then took a quick trip to the memorial for the Typhoon Pilot John Saville. After the video you can see a link to my article on this raid.

FLIGHT LIEUTENANT JOHN SAVILLE – TYPHOON RAIDS ON GUERNSEY JUNE 1944

Woody has produced a great video giving a taster of their time here and his initial thoughts on their visit. Do take a look at it and subscribe to his YouTube Channel as there will be lots of more content coming out later on around the Channel Islands.

JD from History Underground filmed a lot of content which will be appearing on his channel in the future including some great drone footage so do go and subscribe to his channel ass well so that you don’t miss out.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading the blog post.

I also co-host a podcast with Keith Pengelley in which we talk about the occupation of the Channel Islands month by month using first hand accounts, diaries and our research in the archives. You can find us on all the major podcast services. Just search “Islands at War” or visit our podcast page here.

You can also follow the blog on Twitter at @Fortress_Island where I share other information and photographs. If you prefer Facebook I also have a page there. 

If you would like to receive email notifications of future blogs, you can sign up to the right of this blog post or here. Feel free to look around the website, where I have categorised posts to make them easier to find and other resources such as tours, places to visit and films that may be of interest.

If you have questions or information to share you can contact me by email on Contact@Island-Fortress.Com.

You can also find articles, podcasts, TV appearances and other social media etc here.


I will be adding more as time permits. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you enjoyed it. Please share it on social media or add a comment if you did. Feedback is always appreciated.

Also happy to be contacted with questions about the war in the Channel Islands, media appearances, podcasts etc.

© Nick Le Huray

LATEST PODCAST IS OUT! June 1942: A MONTH OF TURMOIL

In this episode, the hosts delve into the events of June 1942 in Jersey and Guernsey during the German occupation. They discuss various topics including the challenges of movement between the islands, a mysterious cobbler’s attempt to return to Jersey, a crime wave involving a young boy, the request for candles from Jersey, the second anniversary of the occupation, the significance of the Channel Island Monthly Review, and the restrictions on radios and photography.

The conversation highlights the local community’s resilience and the impact of the occupation on daily life. This conversation delves into the experiences and challenges faced during the German occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II. It highlights the medical concerns, resistance against German authority, the impact of deportation, military rumours, and personal anecdotes from the war. The discussion also touches on community engagement and reflections on historical events, emphasising the lasting effects of the occupation on local society.

A copy of the Channel Island Monthly Review from my collection.

Below is the Jersey Heritage post we mentioned about the diarist Le Sauteur.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading the blog post.

I also co-host a podcast with Keith Pengelley in which we talk about the occupation of the Channel Islands month by month using first hand accounts, diaries and our research in the archives. You can find us on all the major podcast services. Just search “Islands at War” or visit our podcast page here.

You can also follow the blog on Twitter at @Fortress_Island where I share other information and photographs. If you prefer Facebook I also have a page there. 

If you would like to receive email notifications of future blogs, you can sign up to the right of this blog post or here. Feel free to look around the website, where I have categorised posts to make them easier to find and other resources such as tours, places to visit and films that may be of interest.

If you have questions or information to share you can contact me by email on Contact@Island-Fortress.Com.

You can also find articles, podcasts, TV appearances and other social media etc here.


I will be adding more as time permits. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you enjoyed it. Please share it on social media or add a comment if you did. Feedback is always appreciated.

Also happy to be contacted with questions about the war in the Channel Islands, media appearances, podcasts etc.

© Nick Le Huray

APRIL 1942 PODCAST IS OUT.  THE POLICEMEN ARE SENTENCED, MURDER IN SARK, IMPACT OF MALNUTRITION, DEPORTATION OF JEWISH WOMEN AND MORE!

This episode delves into the daily life and struggles of individuals living under German occupation in Guernsey during World War II. 

It highlights the challenges of food shortages, the impact of malnutrition on health, and the complexities of justice as seen through a police scandal. Personal anecdotes and historical accounts provide a vivid picture of life during this tumultuous time, showcasing resilience and adaptation amidst adversity.

In this episode, the hosts discuss various historical topics related to Guernsey and Sark during World War II, including the murder of Dr. Goebel, the role of propaganda in the Guernsey press, and insights from the diary of Louis Guillemette. They also remember the Jewish ladies deported from Guernsey and explore the ongoing research into escape attempts from the islands. The conversation wraps up with a look ahead to future projects and events.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading the blog post.

I also co-host a podcast with Keith Pengelley in which we talk about the occupation of the Channel Islands month by month using first hand accounts, diaries and our research in the archives. You can find us on all the major podcast services. Just search “Islands at War” or visit our podcast page here.

You can also follow the blog on Twitter at @Fortress_Island where I share other information and photographs. If you prefer Facebook I also have a page there. 

If you would like to receive email notifications of future blogs, you can sign up to the right of this blog post or here. Feel free to look around the website, where I have categorised posts to make them easier to find and other resources such as tours, places to visit and films that may be of interest.

If you have questions or information to share you can contact me by email on Contact@Island-Fortress.Com.

You can also find articles, podcasts, TV appearances and other social media etc here.


I will be adding more as time permits. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you enjoyed it. Please share it on social media or add a comment if you did. Feedback is always appreciated.

Also happy to be contacted with questions about the war in the Channel Islands, media appearances, podcasts etc.

© Nick Le Huray

PODCAST SPECIAL – 80 DAYS TO LIBERATION WITH SIMON DE LA RUE.

Nick spoke to Simon De La Rue of the Guernsey Press about his project 80 days to Liberation which started on 18 February and runs all the way to the 80th anniversary of Liberation on 9 May 2025.

Find out what the project involves, how he is going about it and how you can get involved.

Email Simon on sdelarue@guernseypress.com if you have a story for him.

During the episode IWM – liberation footage

You can watch a video edition of the podcast here where you can see Simon and Myself.

Or Listen on your favourite podcast app by searching Islands at War or online below.

PODCAST – FEBRUARY 1942 EPSIODE IS OUT! WE TALK SOME DIFFICULT TOPICS PLUS THIEVES, RATS, SPANIARDS AND MORE.

February 1942 had some fairly depressing and difficult topics for us to discuss not least the eighth Jewish Order. They are important to discuss and particularly as this episode was recorded during the week of the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

We also talk about the impact of the occupation on the mental health of Channel Islanders.

We have a some lighter topics to discuss as well as a few book recommendations!

Our Jersey diarist is still complaining that Guernsey is still getting bombed more than Jersey by the RAF! Not an aspect of inter-island rivalry I would have had down on my bingo card but it gets mentioned a lot.

We mention Churchill’s Spaniards: Continuing the Fight in the British Army 1939-46- by Séan Scullion. This is an excellent book that Nick & Keith both recommend.

We also talk about a book that is out in April 2025 written by Jenny O’Brien which is a novel set during the occupation. You can find her social media and books here. Looking forward to reading this when it is out! Jenny is appearing at the Guernsey Literary Festival.

We talk about much more as well!

Please do subscribe, it is totally free, write us a review etc it all helps.

Thanks for listening!

JANUARY 1942 – RAF AIR RAID ON ST PETER PORT AND A NEW YEAR TRAGEDY!

In this episode we talk about the attack on German shipping in the harbour.  It was a spectacular low-level attack by three Beauforts of 82 Squadron Coastal Command.

Listen to me talk about the raid and the death of a local man who was a crane driver. For some photographs of the raid taking place and the resultant damage take a look at the two articles below.

RAF Air Raid on St Peter Port 17th January 1942
RAF RAID ON ST PETER PORT – 17 JANUARY 1942 – PART 2.

We then look at the tragic case of George Fisher who was shot by a German on New Year’s Eve.

Entertainment in the theatres is highlighted with the formation of a new group, and we talk about Frank Stroobant who was involved in this as well as island sports. He also wrote an excellent book about the occupation.

Display at the German Occupation Museum

We talked about the censor Sonderfuehrer Kurt Goettmann

Sonderführer Kurt Goettmann the censor. Image © The Priaulx Library via Occupation Archive 

The press censor Sonderfuehrer Kurt Goettmann appointed on the 27th January 1941 at the age of 32. His previous experience included working in press offices in both Paris and London. The censor role was to ensure that anything published followed the stringent rules set out by the Germans.

We also talk more about food as that is an ever present problem.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading the blog post.

I also co-host a podcast with Keith Pengelley in which we talk about the occupation of the Channel Islands month by month using first hand accounts, diaries and our research in the archives. You can find us on all the major podcast services. Just search “Islands at War” or visit our podcast page here.

You can also follow the blog on Twitter at @Fortress_Island where I share other information and photographs. If you prefer Facebook I also have a page there. 

If you would like to receive email notifications of future blogs, you can sign up to the right of this blog post or here. Feel free to look around the website, where I have categorised posts to make them easier to find and other resources such as tours, places to visit and films that may be of interest.

If you have questions or information to share you can contact me by email on Contact@Island-Fortress.Com.

You can also find articles, podcasts, TV appearances and other social media etc here.


I will be adding more as time permits. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you enjoyed it. Please share it on social media or add a comment if you did. Feedback is always appreciated.

Also happy to be contacted with questions about the war in the Channel Islands, media appearances, podcasts etc.

© Nick Le Huray