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.
In this Boxing day special episode Nick takes a look at Operation Hardtack 7 raid on Sark and Operation Hardtack 28 raid on Jersey.
In this episode recorded on the 82nd Anniversary of two Commando raids on the Channel Islands. Including the only Commando raid on Jersey, Operation Hardtack 28, and the second Commando raid on Sark Operation Hardtack 7.
You can find pictures and further information on these links.
For our episode on Operation Basalt you can go here.
I wrote about Operation Basalt and my attendance at the 80th Anniversary. Plenty of information about this raid and video of re-enactment and photographs here.
Take a listen to the episode on the player below or follow us on your favourite podcast app 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
