Tag: World War II

JULY 1943 – THREE YEARS OF OCCUPATION, HEALTH, RATIONS, ARRESTS AND RESISTANCE

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.

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 EPISODE – INTERVIEWS WITH SOME WHO WERE CHILDREN DURING THE OCCUPATION, AN EVACUEE EXPERIENCE AND MORE.

Unfortunately Keith is currently unwell having succumbed to the latest bout of the flu that is doing the rounds.  So instead of the scheduled July 1943 episode we have some interviews for you.  Thank you to Katie Roger for voicing one of the stories which was received as an email. 

In this episode of Islands at War, host Nick Le Huray shares personal stories from individuals who experienced evacuation during World War II, focusing on the unique narratives of Mary Jay, Johnny Thomas Boalch, and Val Le Feurve. The episode highlights the chaos and emotional turmoil of wartime decisions, the kindness shown by individuals during the occupation, and the varying experiences of evacuees. Additionally, the episode discusses upcoming community events related to the history of the Channel Islands, encouraging listener engagement and participation.

  • The episode features personal stories from evacuees during World War II.
  • Mary Jay’s unique evacuation experience highlights the chaos of wartime decisions.
  • John Thomas Boalch shares his memories of kindness from a German soldier during the occupation.
  • Val Le Feuvre recounts her husband’s challenging experiences as an evacuee in Glasgow.
  • The podcast emphasizes the importance of community and shared history in understanding wartime experiences.
  • The stories reflect a mix of adventure and hardship faced by evacuees.
  • The impact of the war on families and communities is a central theme.

Future episodes will continue to explore the history of the Channel Islands during the war so don’t worry July 1943 is coming soon!

Also details of some upcoming events.

You can find the episode here or by clicking our rss feed here.

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

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

PODCAST SPECIAL – NICK TALKS TO ANDY CREBER, GRANDSON OF GERMAN MEDIC WERNER RANG

I had the great pleasure of talking to Andy Creber about his Grandfather Werner Rang. A well known Sark resident post war.

This conversation delves into the remarkable life of Werner Rang, a German medical orderly conscripted during World War II, who served in the Channel Islands.

His story is shared by his grandson, Andy, who recounts Werner’s experiences from his idyllic childhood in Germany, through his conscription and medical duties during the occupation, to his post-war life in Sark.

The discussion highlights the complexities of identity, duty, and personal connections formed during and after the war, as well as the importance of preserving family history through photographs and letters.

Takeaways

  • Werner Rang was a German medical orderly conscripted during WWII.
  • He served in the Channel Islands during the German occupation.
  • Werner was awarded the British Empire Medal for his service as a paramedic.
  • He met his wife, Phyllis, while serving in Sark. Their relationship blossomed through letters during the war.
  • Werner was a POW after the war but continued to provide medical care.
  • He became a respected member of the Sark community post-war. Werner’s story reflects the complexities of wartime identity.
  • Family photographs and letters are vital for preserving history. The conversation emphasises the importance of sharing personal stories.
LOVE AND WAR ON SARK – PHYLLIS & WERNER

Listen below or on your favourite podcast app.

This special also has a video available here.

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