Islands at War

This conversation explores the personal experiences of Frank Ogier during World War II, focusing on evacuation, life in England, and the impact of war on families and communities. He shares vivid memories of his childhood, the challenges his family faced, and the resilience they demonstrated during difficult times. The discussion highlights the importance of capturing these stories for future gene...

This conversation delves into the historical context of January 1943 in the Channel Islands during World War II, focusing on the rumours and realities of deportations, the local authorities' responses, and the impact of military actions on the civilian population.  Discussing the complexities of the situation, including the investigation of deportations, the role of local governance. The depo...

It is January 1943 and as with December 1942 it will be a two episode month because so much happened.    In the first January 1943 episode Keith and Nick talk about:-  New Year Parties - some have more fun than others. A crafty French trader who is hedging his political and financial bets. A shocking month for German shipping including the Schokland, VP703 and a Minesweeper. Appalling treatment of...

This episode delves into part 2 of our discussion of  December 1942 in the Channel Islands during the German occupation. It explores the plight of slave workers, the experiences of local residents, the impact of war on daily life, and the German control and surveillance measures in place. The discussion also touches on incidents of violence, transportation challenges, military engagements, and the...

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,...

Nick speaks to 95 year old Olive Hamon. This conversation explores the experiences of individuals during the evacuation and occupation of Guernsey during World War II. It delves into personal stories of hardship, resilience, and the impact of war on families. The discussion highlights the roles of women, the humour found amidst adversity, and the lasting legacy of these experiences. Send us Fan Ma...

Summary In this conversation, Keith Pengelley talks to Theresa Le Flem about her novels set during and after World War II, focusing on the experiences of characters in Guernsey. They explore the themes of survival, love, and the impact of war on personal relationships. The discussion covers the setting, character development, and the historical context of the stories, as well as the research invol...

This episode we have the stories of two Spitfire Pilots who having been shot down in the Channel Islands end up at Stalag Luft III and one of them takes part in the Great Escape. A Lancaster crash lands in Sark and the crew survive only to be captured and become POWs.   The mystery of a German soldier called George Falla, yes you read that correctly a German soldier with a Guernsey name! We talk a...

Hi All We aren't able to record the November 1942 as Keith isn't well.  We do have an important message for one correspondent and look forward to November 1942 episode which will be out 30 June. Please check out the The Guernsey Deportees Podcast.  Link here  https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/the-guernsey-deportees/ Upcoming stories related to RAF aircraft losses, including notabl...

This episode explores the occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II, focusing on the experiences of the local population, the impact of food shortages, crime, and acts of defiance. The discussion includes personal accounts from diarists, the significance of the Sark raid Operation Basalt, and the legacy of the occupation in terms of memorials and remembrance. Nick and Keith also talk a...

Nick & Katie talk to Jenny O'Brien about her fantastic new book 'The Book of Lost Children'  In this conversation, the Jenny discusses her book which marks a departure from her previous crime thrillers to historical fiction. She delves into the emotional challenges of writing about the occupation of Guernsey during World War II, exploring themes of motherhood, the experiences of...

This episode explores the impact of military operations, including commando raids and the strategic significance of locations like the Casquets and Alderney. The discussion also highlights the complexities of collaboration and resistance during the German occupation, as well as the challenges faced by local populations. The conversation explores various aspects of life in Guernsey during the occup...

This episode explores the various challenges faced by the people of Guernsey & Jersey during August 1942, including a rising crime wave, the role of the Red Cross, transportation changes, the thriving black market, and the impact of occupation on health and nutrition. The discussion also highlights the consequences of resistance against German authorities and the changes in civil defence activ...

This episode of the Islands at War podcast delves into the complexities of life during the German occupation of Jersey in July 1942. Through the lens of Louis Guillemette's diary, we explore the impact of leaflet distribution, the thriving black market in Jersey, and the struggles of civilians seeking exemptions for their radios.  The episode also discusses the opening of the railway in Jerse...

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 Cha...

For this episode Keith provides a detailed account of William Henry Pengelly's life and naval career, highlighting his experiences from joining the Royal Navy in 1915 through both World Wars, his survival of significant naval battles, and the impact of his service on his family. The narrative is enriched with personal anecdotes and reflections, showcasing the legacy of a dedicated sailor and...

This episode explores the challenges faced during the occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II, focusing on food supply issues, escape attempts, personal stories of individuals affected by the war, and the role of theatre as a form of escapism during difficult times.   Delving into various aspects of life during the occupation, including the use of subliminal messaging in theatre, bizarre...

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 Germa...

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...

Nick spoke to Simon De La Rue of the Guernsey Press about his project 80 days to Liberation which started on 18 February and runs all the way to the 80th anniversary of Liberation on 9 May 2025.  Find out what the project involves, how he is going about it and how you can get involved.   Email Simon on mailto:sdelarue@guernseypress.com   if you have a story for him.  During the show we mentioned s...

March is a busy month with a lot going on! Not least the whole of the Guernsey Police Force being arrested.  We talk about how this happened. A bit about the German Police and their methods. A funny story from Jersey! Alderney goings on!  There are a couple of articles about the arrest of the Police and what happened, including a film.  You can find them here and here . Send us Fan Mail If you use...

February 1942 had some fairly depressing and difficult topics for us to discuss not least the eighth Jewish Order. They are important to discuss and particularly as this episode was recorded during the week of the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.  We also talk about the impact of the occupation on the mental health of Channel Islanders.  We have a some lighter topics to discuss as...

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 in the linked document where a range of photogr...

Nick had a brainwave that it might be fun to explore the use of the local language, Guernésiais, Pronounced 'JEHR-nehz-yay', it is also known as 'Guernsey French' or 'patois'.  It is a form of Norman French, which evolved from the Vulgar Latin spoken in the region when it was part of the Roman Empire.   There was only one man for the job of coming in for a chat about...

It is the December 1941 episode and we look at what Christmas was like for different families and across the Channel Islands.  We talk about food and some of the crazy prices being paid for livestock, difficulties in obtaining some some essentials.  Military activity hots up and the barrels are delivered for the huge Mirus Battery. This unfortunately causes a tragic death of a 6-year-old girl who...