Islands at War

In this episode we introduce a new diary, Baron Hans Max Baron von und zu Aufsess, you can get his diaries here . His diary chronicles in detail his dealings with the civilian population, his ‘parishioners’ as he called them, and with the leading island politicians in Jersey and Guernsey. There were disagreements and wrangles but by and large Aufsess managed to oversee an occupation considerably l...

The episode proceeds from the fourth anniversary of occupation and post–D-Day hope fading into an anxious wait, through tightening blockades, naval and air activity around the islands, shifting German behaviour, and the psychological toll on civilians. It closes with a preview of August 1944 (notably Saint-Malo) and contemporary updates on Nick’s work and community projects. Key Discussion Points...

In a departure from the German Occupation Nick talks to Chris Oliver about the origins and war time experience during the First World War.  We also talk about how that impacted the Island in the Second World War. Explore the rich history of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry, its origins, key battles in WWI, and its lasting legacy on the island. Discover how this regiment shaped Guernsey's ide...

As June 1944 arrived, the Channel Islands found themselves at the centre of a pivotal moment in World War II. With D-Day marking a significant turning point in the war, the expectations of islanders soared, but the reality of the situation quickly set in. In this post, we’ll delve into the events of June 1944, exploring daily life under occupation, military actions, and the resilience of those liv...

D-Day, June 6, 1944, was a monumental day in history, but the days leading up to it were equally significant. The month of June began with a palpable sense of change. The people of Guernsey and Jersey had been living under German occupation for four years, and whispers of an imminent invasion filled the air. In this episode, we explore the military preparations and the psychological state of the i...

As we delve into May 1944, the atmosphere in the Channel Islands is a paradox of hope and despair. Residents are caught in a web of anticipation, sensing that something monumental is on the horizon. In this post, we will explore the daily lives of those living under occupation, the psychological toll of waiting, and the unique stories that emerged during this pivotal moment in history. The Channel...

 Summary This episode provides a detailed look into the life and times during the occupation of the Channel Islands in April 1944, exploring food shortages, military activities, and the resilience of islanders. It features personal stories, historical insights, and reflections on the impact of war on everyday life.  Key  topics Food shortages and starvation in 1944 Military activities and RAF raid...

Much to talk about! A banned song whistled in the streets. A secret conference at the Royal Hotel. Rumours of evacuation, invasion, and Rommel himself. March 1944 was a month of fear and quiet rebellion. Our latest episode brings the diaries to life. The real problems of currency and food procurement began earlier than most people assume. The Germans struggled for hard currency, impacting the loca...

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the events of February 1944 in the Channel Islands during World War II, exploring themes of optimism amidst ongoing conflict, the experiences of those in German camps, the impact of military orders on civilian life, and the resilience of the local population. They delve into the complexities of banking and financial support, the role of informants, and th...

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the sentiments surrounding the year 1944 in the Channel Islands, reflecting on the mix of optimism and despair among the local population. They explore various themes such as the impact of occupation on daily life, the resilience of the community through cultural activities, the significance of diary entries, the presence of Russian prisoners, and the cha...

Summary This conversation explores the experiences of individuals and communities in the Channel Islands during World War II, focusing on personal stories, military operations, and the impact of the German occupation. It highlights the resilience of the local population, the challenges of rationing, and the cultural heritage at risk during the war. The discussion also reflects on the significance...

Summary 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 or...

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 o...

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.  Operation Hardtack 28 Operation Hardtack 27 For our episode on Operation Basalt you can go here . I wrote about O...

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of life in Guernsey during the German occupation in October 1943. They delve into the return of the German censor Kurt Goettman, the impact of German officials on local life, and the social conditions faced by the population. The conversation highlights the struggles of the local community, the resistance against the occupation, and the p...

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the ongoing challenges faced by the islands during the occupation in September 1943. They explore themes of post-war planning, media censorship, social welfare issues, food supply challenges, and the rise of the black market. The conversation highlights the resilience of the local population amidst hardship, the impact of German regulations on daily life,...

In the midst of World War II, even small islands like Guernsey played a significant role in the larger narrative of conflict and culture. This blog post delves into a recent episode of "Islands at War," where hosts Keith Pengelley and Nick Le Huray explore the complexities of wartime censorship, the lives of local residents, and surprising events that unfolded in August 1943. **Wartime C...

 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 l...

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 evacua...

Summary 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 s...

Summary 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...

Nick spoke to James Bulgin about a range of topics in front of a live audience at the Imperial War Museum. James's connection with Guernsey. James's career and how he became the museum's head of public history. Curating the Holocaust Galleries at the museum. Books that he has written Upcoming publications aim to shed light on the Holocaust and the Nuremberg Trial.  The Channel Islan...

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 respo...

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...

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.  War crimes allegations and the outcome. It highlights personal stories of those affected, the resistance movements that em...