Islands at War

• 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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• WERNER RANG - PODCAST SPECIAL WITH HIS GRANDSON ANDY CREBER

  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 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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• APRIL 1942 - THE POLICEMEN ARE SENTENCED, MURDER IN SARK, IMPACT OF MALNUTRITION AND MORE

  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 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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