This conversation delves into the experiences of the Channel Islands during World War II, focusing on personal stories of individuals like Zepernick and Hedwig Bercau, the impact of the occupation on daily life, political struggles, and significant events such as the sinking of HMS Charybdis. The discussion highlights themes of survival, resistance, and the importance of remembering the ordinary lives affected by war.
Takeaways
The occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII had profound effects on daily life.
Oberleutnant Zepernick was a significant German figure in Jersey, known for his interactions with civilians.
Hedwig Bercau’s story highlights the dangers faced by Jewish individuals during the occupation.
Children’s allowances were a contentious political issue during the occupation.
The sinking of HMS Charybdis was a major naval event with lasting impacts.
Robberies and theft were common as people struggled to survive.
The fall of the De Sausmarez monument symbolised the German occupation’s disregard for local heritage.
Housing shortages created significant challenges for residents during the occupation.
Acts of defiance, such as stealing back bicycles, were small victories for the occupied.
The conversation reflects on the importance of remembering the ordinary lives affected by war.
The German road sign mentioned during the podcast.
Nick spoke to Dave Hewitt a long term listener to the show, and a man who has spent 40 years exploring occupation history. Dave is based in the UK but Nick and he caught up on a recent visit to the Island.
In this conversation, Dave shares his deep passion for the history of the occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II. He discusses his journey of discovery, the extensive collection of books and artifacts he has amassed, and the personal connections he has made with the history and the people involved. The importance of raising awareness about this often-overlooked history is emphasised, along with the impact of Liberation Day and the role of community in preserving these stories for future generations.
Dave has been visiting the Channel Islands for over 40 years.
His interest in the occupation began with a local news program in the late 1970s.
He has collected around 350 to 400 books and artifacts related to the occupation.
The occupation is often seen as a forgotten history that needs more awareness.
Personal stories from locals provide valuable insights into the occupation experience.
Liberation Day is a significant event that showcases local pride and remembrance.
Community efforts are crucial in preserving the history of the occupation.
Cultural representations, like films, can spark interest in the occupation’s history.
Dave treasures a V-badge he received as a gift, symbolising the personal connection to the occupation.
He hopes to pass on his passion for history to future generations.
It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with him and he will definitely be appearing in future episodes. Not least because he gave me a cracking idea for a panel episode on the podcast.
This conversation explores the experiences of the Channel Islands during the German occupation in World War II, focusing on the third anniversary of the occupation, the struggles faced by the local population, health crises, rumours of deportations, social policies, and acts of resistance. Through diary entries and reflections, the speakers discuss the profound impact of the occupation on daily life, health, and social structures, emphasising the importance of remembering and documenting these experiences.
The third anniversary of German occupation was marked by reflections on hardship and hope for liberation.
Diaries reveal the struggles of daily life under occupation, including food shortages and loss of privacy.
Health issues, particularly tuberculosis, were exacerbated by rationing and poor living conditions.
Rumors of deportations created anxiety among the local population, despite reassurances from German officials.
Social policies, such as family allowances, were debated amidst concerns about post-war recovery.
Acts of resistance included stockpiling weapons and subtle forms of defiance against German authority.
The Germans implemented strict regulations to suppress social gatherings and dissent.
The local population faced harsh penalties for minor infractions, reflecting the oppressive atmosphere of occupation.
The impact of the occupation on health and social structures was profound and long-lasting.
The conversation highlights the importance of remembering and documenting the experiences of those who lived through the occupation.
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.
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.
This episode of ‘Islands at War’ explores the multifaceted impact of WWII on the Channel Islands, focusing on the German occupation’s effects on daily life, community resilience, and cultural shifts. From curfew breakers in Sark to the challenges of food shortages and black market activities, the hosts delve into personal stories and historical insights that illustrate the struggles and adaptations of islanders during this tumultuous period.
The podcast discusses the ongoing impact of WWII on the Channel Islands. Curfew breakers in Sark highlight the challenges of occupation. Guernsey’s film arrivals reflect censorship and cultural shifts. Daily life is heavily influenced by the German occupation. Young entrepreneurs emerge amidst black market activities. Raids and surveillance are common in Guernsey. Luxury shops face scrutiny from German authorities. Jewellery inspections reveal the Germans’ interest in valuables. Food shortages create significant hardship for residents. Crime related to food scarcity becomes prevalent.
Explanation of what the Chief Pleas of Sark is can be found here.
Find out more about Sark and visiting this wonderful Island click here.
We talked about the binoculars causing a raid on the United Club caused by some binoculars! These are believed to be those very binoculars!
The view afforded from the United Club.
Picture below shows quite how close the United Club on the left was to a building full of Germans at the Crown Hotel, now the Ship & Crown.
Below is the minesweeper that we talk about being sunk M483 – Minesweeper
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
