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 activities. 

Delves into the complex dynamics of life in the Channel Islands during the German occupation, focusing on the roles of local organizations like the ARP, the impact of the Dieppe raid, and the community's response to the war.

Highlighting some espionage activities that emerged, the challenges faced by residents, and the interactions between the German military and local clergy. The discussion also touches on the significance of radio communication, the sentiments of German soldiers, and the overall atmosphere of tension and anticipation within the community as they hoped for liberation.

Takeaways

A significant crime wave emerged in Guernsey during WWII.
The Red Cross played a crucial role in communication and support.
Humanitarian acts occurred even amidst occupation, such as soldiers saving drowning girls.
Transportation changes included the introduction of a bus service powered by charcoal.
The black market thrived due to desperation and scarcity of goods.
Profiteering was rampant, with individuals making fortunes through bartering and inflated prices.
Resistance against German authorities had serious consequences for locals.
Health and nutrition were severely impacted, leading to malnutrition among the population.
Civil defence structures were altered, with ARP members being dismissed yet still required to assist in emergencies.
The community faced a complex web of economic and social challenges during the occupation. The ARP evolved into an espionage organization during the occupation.
Local knowledge was crucial for assisting potential escapees.
Permits for priests were a contentious issue during alarms.
The Dieppe raid heightened German anxiety in the Channel Islands.
Many residents retained their radios despite confiscation orders.
German soldiers expressed discontent with the war and its consequences.
Community sentiment was mixed regarding those who escaped.
Military drills increased as the Germans prepared for potential Allied actions.
Rumours circulated about impending evacuations and military movements.
The Channel Islands maintained connections with the outside world through various means.

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If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.

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 Jersey, political dynamics surrounding the return of Mr. Sherwill in Guernsey to the controlling committee and the profound effects of military incidents on the youth. Additionally, pension issues and the construction of fortifications highlight the ongoing fears of counter-invasion, painting a vivid picture of life under occupation.

We also talked about the loss of a Hurricane off of Alderney. An interesting but sad tale.

If you want to see the pictures we talk about go here.

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Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.

If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.

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, emphasizing the lasting effects of the occupation on local society.

You can find the images that we talk about in the podcast here.

The other podcast we talked about can be found here.

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Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.

If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.

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 the historical context of his time.

Send us a text

Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.

If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.

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 orders from the German command, the underground scouting movement, community life around Forest Church, escape attempts, food shortages, the experiences of French workers, medical supply issues, concerns over invasion, and the humour that emerged amidst the tension. The discussion highlights the resilience and adaptability of the local population during challenging times. 

We mentioned a photograph of a food queue which you can see along with other information here.

We also mentioned Jo May's Tours details are here.  The specific tour we mentioned is detailed here.

Thanks for listening.

Send us a text

Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.

If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.

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.

You can find photographs and more information here.

Send us a text

Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.

If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.

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.

Send us a text

Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.

If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.

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:[email protected]  if you have a story for him. 

During the show we mentioned some IWM footage you can find here.

Send us a text

Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.

If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.

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 a text

Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.

If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.

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 well as a few book recommendations!

Our Jersey diarist is still complaining that Guernsey is still getting bombed more than Jersey by the RAF! Not an aspect of inter-island rivalry I would have had down on my bingo card but it gets mentioned a lot. 

We mention Churchill's Spaniards: Continuing the Fight in the British Army 1939-46- by Séan Scullion. This is an excellent book that Nick & Keith both recommend.

 We also talk about a book that is out in April 2025 written by Jenny O'Brien which is a novel set during the occupation. You can find her social media and books here. Looking forward to reading this when it is out! Jenny is appearing at the Guernsey Literary Festival. 

Plus much more we talked about. 

Send us a text

Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.

If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).

You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.

Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.