Islands at War

• AUGUST 1942 - CRIME WAVE, JITTERY GERMANS, ARP & ESPIONAGE

  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.TakeawaysA 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.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). 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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• PODCAST JULY 1942 - MUSSOLINI, RADIOS, MONEY, PENSIONS PALAVA, HOSTAGES, RAMROD RAIDS AND MUCH MORE!

  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.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). 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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• June 1942: A Month of Turmoil

  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.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). 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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• SPECIAL - WILLIAM PENGELLEY

  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 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). 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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• MAY 1942! CONSEQUENCES OF ESCAPE FROM JERSEY, INVASION PREPARATIONS, LAUGHING AT THE GERMANS AND MORE

  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 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). 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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