Tag: RAF Air Raid

MAY 1943 – RAF RAIDS, STAND OFF WITH THE GERMANS, DISASTROUS RATIONING CUTS & SHIPPING SUNK! PODCAST EPISODE OUT

In this episode, we explore the complex situation in Guernsey during May 1943, focusing on the rationing cuts imposed by the Germans and the resulting controversies.

The discussion covers the rationale behind these cuts, the impact of RAF bombing on supplies, and the challenges faced by medical professionals and the Controlling Committee.

We also delve into the psychological effects of war on civilians, the differences in rationing between Guernsey and Jersey, and the increased activity of the RAF. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of the Channel Islands amidst ongoing struggles for food and with the Germans.

  • Rationing cuts were announced in May 1943.
  • The Germans justified ration cuts by blaming British bombings.
  • Exemptions for German workers caused public outrage.
  • Medical assessments indicated severe health risks from rationing.
  • The Controlling Committee struggled to communicate effectively with the public.
  • Protests against rationing cuts were largely ignored by the Germans.
  • The RAF intensified air raids around the Channel Islands.
  • Morale was boosted by news of Allied victories.
  • The Guernsey purchasing body faced challenges during an RAF attack.
  • Financial management during occupation was complex and problematic.

Below is one of the ships lost.

You can find the episode 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

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

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