Tag: German

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

PODCAST SPECIAL – USE OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE GUERNÉSIAIS, A FORM OF NORMAN FRENCH, DURING THE OCCUPATION.

Nick had a brainwave that it might be fun to explore the use of the local language, Guernésiais, Pronounced ‘JEHR-nehz-yay’, it is also known as ‘Guernsey French’ or ‘patois’.  It is a form of Norman French, which evolved from the Vulgar Latin spoken in the region when it was part of the Roman Empire.  

There was only one man for the job of coming in for a chat about this subject that man was Yan Marquis. A local tour guide and heavily involved in promoting the language. Nick has known

We chat about the Guernsey language #guernesiais and its use amongst the Guernsey occupied and evacuees during WWII. Challenges they faced included: incomprehension, suspicion, adaption, isolation & linguistic disconnect. Fascinating chat about how the language was a benefit to those occupied and also a problem for those evacuated, that returned unable to speak it.

We also talk about some stories that people have told Yan over the years about their time during the occupation.

For more information on the language go here.

For details of Yan’s tours go here.

You can also listen to Walter Brehaut who we mentioned in the podcast and Yan in conversation here. There is a translation!

If you want to hear more of the language following our podcast you can find it hear along with translations. https://soundcloud.com/user-348870745

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

DECEMBER 1941 PODCAST – AMERICANS SUFFER POST PEARL HARBOUR, MILITARY ACTIVITY HOTS UP, A HUGE GUN, UNWELCOME GUESTS, FOOD AND MORE!

It is the December 1941 episode and we look at what Christmas was like for different families and across the Channel Islands.

We talk about food and some of the crazy prices being paid for livestock, difficulties in obtaining some some essentials.

Military activity hots up and the barrels are delivered for the huge Mirus Battery. This unfortunately causes a tragic death of a 6 year old girl who was crushed. This happened at Le Ville au Roi. In the photograph below you can see the junction itself.

Below you can see photographs of the vehicles used to pull the gun barrel.

Read more about the big guns in the article below.

BATTERIE MIRUS – THE BIG GUNS

Pearl Harbour happens and the Germans take measures against the Americans resident in the Channel Islands.

We look at various different families and how their lives were impacted so far.

We also touch on the German Officer who as a boy scout had been awarded a medal by the King of England.

Listen on your favourite podcast app or click the player 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

OCTOBER 1941 PODCAST – KOMMANDANTS, REVERSE INVASION THREATS, NEUTRAL CITIZENS, AND A BIT OF DEVIATION!

Its October 1941 and the Germans are worried about a British attempt to retake the Channel Islands.

We had a couple of clarifications and corrections that we talked about. One being the American officer who was in fact Canadian. Learn more about Major Alan Chambers in the article below.

THE SURRENDER AND LIBERATION MAY 1945

We reference Operation Attaboy which was planned earlier in the year. If you want to read about that go to my article.

OPERATION ATTABOY – THE FIRST PLAN TO RETAKE ONE OF THE CHANNEL ISLANDS – 1941

We talk about the Fortress Order and the French workers that arrive. Lists of men of military age drawn up. You can find out more here about the order.

ISLAND FORTIFICATION ORDERED BY HITLER 20TH OCTOBER 1941

We talk neutral citizens and their experience.

During the podcast we mentioned the Digimap ariel photo map. You can find it here. The gallery of WW2 reconnaissance photos is here.

A look ahead to Liberation 80 for next year, a couple of forthcoming walks.

Guernsey Walking Tours which is Keith’s walking tours can be found here.

We also mentioned another tour guide that I am friends with Jo May whose website is on the link in her name.

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

SEPTEMBER 1941 – GERMANY’S GOT TALENT, AN ESCAPE FROM JERSEY AND MORE!

In the September 1941 edition of the Islands at War podcast we cover a number of aspects of events that month.

As requested by many people we have expanded the podcast to include regular Jersey content so each month going forward there will a more about Jersey.

We kick off this episode with the incredible escape of Denis Vibert from Jersey in a tiny boat. Moving on to some rumours of a tunnel being constructed from Jersey to France!

The Guernsey Press organised a charity swimming gala. Pictures and report below. See if you can spot any relatives! 2,000 people, a tenth of the population, attended.

One person didn’t do so well as he ended up in court!

The Germans hold a review where German artistes could perform. Wish I had thought of this before we recorded the episode but it is kind of “Germany’s Got Talent”.

We also talk about RAF activity in the area and shipping attacks.

You can find the podcast episode on all the major podcast apps or listen in the player 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

AUGUST 1941 PODCAST IS OUT! IT’S THE ECONOMY STUPID! PLUS SOME STRANGE ORDERS, HORSES, A PATOIS SPEAKING GERMAN, AND MORE

August 1941 – In this episode Keith and Nick look at the German reliance on horses. Thanks to Nick’s friend Simon Edwards for helping resolve the conundrum of what to call this episode.

Then move on to how the Germans ruined the economy and left the Channel Islands virtually bankrupt.  British banks lent money to the Channel Islands governments. 

The unusual story of a German who was fluent in Guernésiais (Patois) and the mystery surrounding this.  If you want to find out about Guernésiais your can find more info here.

German morale and disorder along with a Diphtheria outbreak.

We wrap up with listeners emails and questions.

It really helps us if you share the podcast on social media and with your friends. Also ratings and reviews help.

Thanks for listening!

JULY 1941 V SIGN CAMPAIGN AND CONSEQUENCES! RAF RAIDS ON GUERNSEY AND LISTENERS QUESTIONS

It is July 1941, and the V sign campaign really takes hold in Guernsey. We talk in depth about what happened and the ramifications for the local population.  The German occupiers make themselves look a bit silly much to the amusement of the locals.

We also talk about RAF bombing raids that happened on the island that month and the damage they caused.  

We also answer questions from listeners at the end of the show.

Send us a text

Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.

If you want to email in a question send it to occupied@gnetradio.com. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at send us a text (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.

JUNE 1941 PODCAST IS OUT!

Keith and I can’t believe we have covered a year of the the Occupation this episode! There was a lot going on some of which was a bit disturbing to say the least.

Blackberry tea and how it was gathered and made.

Food or the lack thereof and the impact on people.

The third Jewish order is published. This is awful and we look at it in some detail. Essentially this third order was an attempt to make the local population hostile to the Jewish population. It had different impacts across the islands and Keith and I talk about that.

We talked about the build up of troops and how some were puzzled as to why they were here. Some talked of being demoralised already.

We talk about one of the first concrete and extensive gun batteries in Guernsey. Batterie Strassburg up at Jerbourg is a complex of 64 different positions around the Jerbourg headland. You can see some of them here.

We talked about the Doyle Monument being demolished. You can see it here and you can probably see what the problem was.

There are some excellent books on fortifications. If you take a look on your favourite book shop, Festung or here

MAY 1941 PODCAST IS OUT! FISH FURY, A SINGSONG IN SARK, A MAD IRISHMAN, SEIZED LAND AND MUCH MORE!

May 1941 and there is a lot going on!

We start off with controversial suggestions as to rationing of Fish which caused a fuss in the Guernsey Evening Press. Jurat (and later Sir) John Leale headed up the controlling committee after Ambrose Sherwill was arrested, see our podcast episodes September 1940, October 1940, November 1940 and December 1940 if you want to understand that saga!

The Chamber of Commerce really didn’t like the rationing options and wrote an open letter to the government in the Guernsey Evening Press and Leale responded. It really was a complicated situation which caused quite a kerfuffle! As you can see from the below.

We then talked about compulsory use of land and the notice.

We talked about Oberst Schumacher who was Feldkommandant in Guernsey. Essentially it was a branch of the Kommandantur 515 which was headquartered in Jersey. So he was the senior German Officer in Guernsey.

Then we were on to the orders about selling goods to Germans. A copy of which is below.

Next up it was photos for ID cards.

Revised curfew announced.

Talked about cameras being banned and we immediately thought about this photo!

We then talked about a couple of tours that are going on if you live in Guernsey or are visiting!

You can find Tim’s tour in Sark on the link below. Nick has been on it twice it is excellent!

https://www.visitguernsey.com/experiences/events/autumn-walking-festival/the-wwii-commando-raids-and-lancaster-bomber-crash

We also talked about a tour that Nick is contributing to with his friend and tour guide Jo May. It is a brand new tour. You can book online if you fancy learning about incarceration. fortification and escapes!

NEW TOUR – Incarceration, Fortification & Escapes | Visit Guernsey

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 1941 PODCAST OUT -A HURRICANE PILOT, SHOTS FIRED, TRAGEDY IN SAINTS BAY, RATIONING, AND MUCH MORE.

It is April 1941. The Channel Islands are in their tenth month of being occupied by the German forces.

A look at the impact of rationing, an influx of German forces, a proposed raid to take back the islands and much more.   You can listen on your favourite podcast app or listen on the player below. Se below for photos as well of things we refer to in the podcast.

In this episode we cover the Hurricane pilot Sgt Robert Stirling who bailed out of his Hurricane and landed on the small island oof Lihou.  As mentioned in the podcast there is an excellent documentary called “Stirling’s War” which you can find here and watch for free. Tim Osborne who produced it was also mentioned in the podcast.  You can find details of his guided walks here.  

There was a tragedy at Saints Bay when three men died whilst attempting to collect Ormers. Shots are fired and a boat overturns.

Saints Bay Guernsey
Saints Bay Guernsey

If you are wondering what an Ormer is look here.

Saints Bay Guernsey

The St Sampsons Restaurant at the Hollies that we mentioned I managed to pop along and get a photo of the building.

Article from the Guernsey Evening Press

We also talked about the new book coming out from Blue Ormer. The Hans Max von Aufsess diary – “Gentle Violence  1943 – 45” which you can read about and pre-order here.

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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