Islands at War

• SPECIAL - AUTHOR THERESA LE FLEM TALKS ABOUT HER LATEST BOOK 'FREEDOM ON THE MORNING TIDE'

  SummaryIn 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 involved in writing them. Theresa shares insights into Freedom on the Morning Tide, and hints at future projects.The first novel is titled A Sea of Barbed Wire.The sequel is called Freedom on the Morning Tide.The setting is Guernsey during World War II.Characters face moral dilemmas and personal conflicts.The islanders experienced starvation during the war.Tension builds as liberation approaches.Post-war challenges include family reunions and changes.Research is crucial for historical accuracy in writing.The narrative spans from 1942 to 1946.Theresa is working on a third novel in the series.Available from all good book shops and Amazon.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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• SPECIAL - AUTHOR THERESA LA FLEM ABOUT HER OCCUPATION NOVEL 'A SEA OF BARBED WIRE'

  Keith talks to Theresa La Flem an author captivated by Guernsey's history. Her novel 'A Sea of Barbed Wire' is set during the German occupation. Her research included visiting museums and speaking to locals. The characters in her story emerged from her research and imagination. Ellen, the main character, feels trapped by the occupation. The story explores themes of oppression and resilience. Theresa's writing is character-led, focusing on personal experiences.Although Nick was slightly confused while editing this episode when Keith mentioned a Christmas lunch tomorrow!  I think he meant Sunday Lunch given this was recorded in July!No more spoilers but you can get the book from your local independent bookstore or failing that Amazon.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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• NOVEMBER 1942 - THE FRANKEN SPITFIRE, AN AUSTRALIAN SPITFIRE PILOT, THE SARK LANCASTER

  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 about the hullabaloo caused when the Irish enquire if any Irish citizens have been deported and the Germans realise they made a mistake.   The Guernsey Deportees Podcast by Ollie Guillou is well worth a listen.  You can find it here.You can find a picture of Norman Amos we mention on the link 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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• TRAILER AND SOME MESSAGES

  Hi AllWe 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 notable incidents involving Spitfires in Jersey and Guernsey. A wrongly deported Irishman and much more.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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• OCTOBER 1942 - OPERATION BASALT, A ROBBERY AND MUCH MORE....

  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 about a slightly odd bunch running social media accounts on Twitter that keep tagging us their frankly bizarre posts.  Also covered are - Severe food shortages and restrictions on daily life.Acts of defiance, such as creating badges made Crime rates increased as desperation drove citizens to theft.The Reverend Ord's accounts highlight the psychological impact of war on soldiers.The Sark raid was a significant military operation with lasting consequences.The Skelton case raises questions about loyalty and survival during the occupation.The legacy of the occupation continues to influence memorialization efforts today.Understanding the past is crucial for recognizing the human cost of war.Diary that we mentioned of Philip Le Sauteur  is available here. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diary-Jersey-under-Swatika-account-ebook/dp/B088P81P1XNick's book 'Tides of Defiance' can be preordered here and is out in August 2025.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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