Tag: German

IWM PODCAST LIVE FESTIVAL – INTERVIEW WITH IWM’s HEAD OF PUBLIC HISTORY, JAMES BULGIN.

Nick spoke to James Bulgin about a range of topics in front of a live audience at the Imperial War Museum.

  • James’s connection with Guernsey.
  • James’s career and how he became the museum’s head of public history.
  • Curating the Holocaust Galleries at the museum.
  • Books that he has written.
  • Upcoming publications aim to shed light on the Holocaust and the Nuremberg Trial. 
  • The Channel Islands were the only part of Britain occupied by Nazi Germany.
  • Personal stories and memories are crucial for understanding the occupation.
  • There has been a recent outpouring of memories from the last generation of survivors.
  • Resistance in the Channel Islands took many forms, including subtle acts of defiance.
  • The strategic importance of the Channel Islands was often misunderstood during the war.
  • Liberation narratives differ significantly between the Channel Islands and mainland Britain.
  • The impact of living memory on historical narratives is profound and complex.
  • There is a growing interest in the history of the Channel Islands in educational contexts.
  • Cultural events and documentaries are helping to raise awareness about the occupation. 

Click the player below or follow the 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

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

PODCAST MARCH 1943 – COURT CASES, DEPORTATION, BLACK MARKET AND MORE

In this episode, we explore the events of March 1943 in the Channel Islands during World War II. The conversation covers various topics including naval actions, the deportation of Jewish women, the impact of electricity rationing, and the emergence of a black market. We also discuss the tragic story of the Ogiers, collaboration among locals, and the mental health struggles faced by the population under occupation. The episode concludes with a tribute to an aircraft crew that lost their lives in the vicinity of the islands.

Plaque for the three Jewish ladies who were deported and tragically died.

Sgt. D H Yorke – 21Sqn. Ventura I. AE742 – Down West of Guernsey sadly did not survive.

Ventura AE742 

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

FEBRUARY 1943 – DEPORTATIONS, MILK MISBEHAVIOUR, MINEFIELDS & WHIRLWINDS

This episode delves into the complex and harrowing history of the Channel Islands during World War II, focusing on the deportations of 1943. 

The conversation explores the motivations behind these deportations, the key figures involved, and the impact on the local population. 

It highlights personal stories of those affected, the resistance movements that emerged, and the broader context of life under occupation. The hosts reflect on the psychological toll of war, the struggles for resources, and the resilience of the community amidst adversity.

General Erich Muller – Commander of the Channel Islands from May 1941 to September 1943.
Colonel Friedrich Knackfuss is well known in Jersey (Channel Islands) as the Feldkommandant of the Civil Affairs Department of the German military government of the Channel Islands during the occupation.
Sgt Williams Whirlwind 263 Sqn

Also mentioned are the appearance on 1 November 2025 at the Imperial War Museum Podcast Live.   Details here https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/podcast-livech the latest episode here or on the embedded video below.

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.

NOVEMBER 1942 PODCAST IS OUT! FRANKEN SPITFIRE, A LANCASTER IN SARK, SPITFIRE CRASH AND A GERMAN CALLED GEORGE FALLA!

This episode we have the stories of two Spitfire Pilots who having been shot down in the Channel Islands end up at Stalag Luft III and one of them takes part in the Great Escape.

One of the pilots Norman Amos can be found in the picture below.

A Lancaster crash lands in Sark and the crew survive only to be captured and become POWs.  

The mystery of a German soldier called George Falla, yes you read that correctly a German soldier with a Guernsey name!

We talk about the hullabaloo caused when the Irish enquire if any Irish citizens have been deported and the Germans realise they made a mistake.   

The Guernsey Deportees Podcast by Ollie Guillou is well worth a listen.  You can find it here.

Find us on all the podcast platforms by clicking here.

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.

BRITAIN UNDER THE NAZIS – THE FORGOTTEN OCCUPATION – MINNOW FILMS ON CHANNEL 4

I have had a lot of emails, comments on social media and WhatsApp messages asking if I knew about this two part documentary coming out from Minnow Films.

As it happens they contacted me for some input when they were pitching the idea back in early 2024 as they had been reading the blog and listened to early early episodes of the podcast ‘Islands at War’ that Keith and I produce.

I gave they them a steer and we had a long Zoom call about potential diarists that they could use and other contacts. This was followed by a lot of emails with guidance. As is the way with these things they go quiet for a long time and you never know what route they will take. I have had my fingers burned before!

Pleased to report that they have done a cracking job with episode one and it is entirely accurate, save for the stock footage of aircraft, no Stukas took part in the Bombing of the Channel Islands on the 28th June 1940. The only other slight blooper spotted by my friend Alasdair Davidson, a fairly niche spot, of an external shot of the outside of the Royal Court in Guernsey and then an internal shot of the Royal Court in Jersey! Can you tell he is acquainted with both on a professional level? Oh and apparently I missed some Matilda Tanks that he spotted! 🙂

So well done Minnow Films for an accurate representation of life under German Occupation seen through the eyes of those that lived through it.

If this has increased your appetite for more of the stories from these diarists and others that are unpublished then check out our podcast on your favourite podcast app by searching ‘Islands at War’ or by going here

SEPTEMBER 1942 – OPERATION DRYAD, ESCAPE AND TRAITORS

This episode explores the impact of military operations, including commando raids and the strategic significance of locations like the Casquets and Alderney. The discussion also highlights the complexities of collaboration and resistance during the German occupation, as well as the challenges faced by local populations.

The conversation explores various aspects of life in Guernsey during the occupation, focusing on recruitment efforts, education initiatives, curfews, health concerns, food shortages, personal escape stories, and the impact of deportations. The speakers discuss how the community adapted to challenges, the importance of education, and the resilience of individuals during difficult times.

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

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