TALK: The German Occupation of the Channel Islands in WW2

France’s unexpected collapse in 1940 suddenly transformed the Channel Islands from a relatively safe backwater to (potentially) the front line.

As German forces swept across France, the British Government had to come to terms with surrendering British territory which was manifestly indefensible, and the islanders had to come to terms with evacuation to England or to continuing to live at home, but under the Swastika.

The talk covers the drama of 1940, the evacuation, the splitting up of some families, and then every-day life for the islanders under occupation.

The talk also examines the German fortification of the islands, and their contribution and effect on military operations in WW2.

Finally, the talk covers the liberation of the islands the day after the German surrender on what is now VE Day. The speaker is a Channel Islander, born and brought up in Guernsey.