Islands at War

• IWM PODCAST LIVE FESTIVAL - INTERVIEW WITH IWM's HEAD OF PUBLIC HISTORY, JAMES BULGIN

  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 writtenUpcoming publications aim to shed light on the Holocaust and the Nuremberg Trial. The Channel Islands were the only part of Britain occupied by Nazi Germany.Personal stories and memories are crucial for understanding the occupation.There has been a recent outpouring of memories from the last generation of survivors.Resistance in the Channel Islands took many forms, including subtle acts of defiance.The strategic importance of the Channel Islands was often misunderstood during the war.Liberation narratives differ significantly between the Channel Islands and mainland Britain.The impact of living memory on historical narratives is profound and complex.There is a growing interest in the history of the Channel Islands in educational contexts.Cultural events and documentaries are helping to raise awareness about the occupation. Send us a textFollow 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). If you use the text option please include an email address if you want us to contact you. 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.

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• APRIL 1943 PODCAST IS OUT! 18 ARRESTED AND TRIED IN JERSEY, SINKING SHIPS, RAF RAIDS AND MORE!

  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 responses to the occupation and the use of art as propaganda by German soldiers.Also looking at RAF air raids and their impact on rationing, a funeral for downed airmen and much more.The crackdown on radios was a significant aspect of German control.Resistance members faced severe consequences, including trials and harsh sentences.Women were called upon to fill labor shortages during the occupation.Rationing and food supply issues were critical challenges for civilians.Air raids had a profound impact on the islands and their inhabitants.The Germans used propaganda to maintain control and suppress dissent.Sabotage and resistance activities were met with harsh reprisals.The fate of escaped Frenchmen highlighted the dangers of resistance.Community responses to occupation varied, with some supporting resistance efforts.The legacy of these events continues to be remembered and commemorated.Pictures we talked about are hereSend us a textFollow 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). If you use the text option please include an email address if you want us to contact you. 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.

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• MARCH 1943 - COURT CASES, DEPORTATION, BLACK MARKET AND MORE

  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.Images we discuss are here.Send us a textFollow 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). If you use the text option please include an email address if you want us to contact you. 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.

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• FEBRUARY 1943 - DEPORTATIONS, WAR CRIMES, 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.  War crimes allegations and the outcome.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.Also mentioned are the appearance on 1 November 2025 at the Imperial War Museum Podcast Live.   Details here IWM Podcast Live | History Podcast Festival at IWM London – 1 NovPhotographs of people and items we mention during this episode can be found here.Send us a textFollow 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). If you use the text option please include an email address if you want us to contact you. 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.

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• FRANK OGIER - EVACUATION TO ENGLAND AND LIFE - CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF EVACUATION

  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 generations.Evacuation experiences shaped many childhoods during WWII.Life in England during the war was filled with challenges.The impact of bombing on schools and daily life.Returning home after the war brought mixed emotions.Childhood adventures were often intertwined with wartime experiences.Community support was vital during and after the war.Bicycles became essential for transportation after the war.The war created lasting bonds and memories among families.Send us a textFollow 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). If you use the text option please include an email address if you want us to contact you. 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.

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