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A Podcast about the occupation of the Channel Islands by German forces 1940 to 1945. Focusing on personal experiences of those that lived through it using diaries and our own research. Social, practical and military aspects of the occupation of the Channel Islands.
Join Keith Pengelley and Nick Le Huray as they talk you through the occupation month by month. Oh and we drop our own family stories in as well.
We will talk you through the occupation as it happened.
Questions welcome at occupied@gnetradio.com
57 Episodes
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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 understa...
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 ...
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...
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 psych...
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...
This conversation delves into the historical context of January 1943 in the Channel Islands during World War II, focusing on the rumours and realities of deportations, the local authorities' responses, and the impact of military actions on the civilian population. Discussing the complexities of the situation, including the investigation of deportations, the role of local governance. The deportations in January 1943 were a significant concern for the local population.Rumors about deporta...
It is January 1943 and as with December 1942 it will be a two episode month because so much happened. In the first January 1943 episode Keith and Nick talk about:- New Year Parties - some have more fun than others.A crafty French trader who is hedging his political and financial bets.A shocking month for German shipping including the Schokland, VP703 and a Minesweeper.Appalling treatment of Russians onboard the Xaver Dorsch.Multiple air raids including hedge hopping America...
This episode delves into part 2 of our discussion of December 1942 in the Channel Islands during the German occupation. It explores the plight of slave workers, the experiences of local residents, the impact of war on daily life, and the German control and surveillance measures in place. The discussion also touches on incidents of violence, transportation challenges, military engagements, and the resilience of the community amidst adversity. The speakers reflect on the historical signif...
In this episode of Islands at War, hosts Keith Pengelley and Nick Le Huray delve into the complexities of life in Guernsey during the German occupation in December 1942. They discuss the establishment of prohibited zones, the registration of local labour for German work, and the pervasive rumours of German withdrawal. The conversation also touches on the economic challenges faced by the islanders, including supply shortages and the rise of the black market. As Christmas approaches, the hosts ...
Nick speaks to 95 year old Olive Hamon. This conversation explores the experiences of individuals during the evacuation and occupation of Guernsey during World War II. It delves into personal stories of hardship, resilience, and the impact of war on families. The discussion highlights the roles of women, the humour found amidst adversity, and the lasting legacy of these experiences. Send us a text Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here. If you want to email in a question send it to occup...
Summary In 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 futu...
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 a...
Hi All We 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...
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 fra...
Nick & Katie talk to Jenny O'Brien about her fantastic new book 'The Book of Lost Children' In this conversation, the Jenny discusses her book which marks a departure from her previous crime thrillers to historical fiction. She delves into the emotional challenges of writing about the occupation of Guernsey during World War II, exploring themes of motherhood, the experiences of nurses, and the complexities of character development. The discussion highlights the importance of histor...
This episode explores the impact of military operations, including commando raids and the strategic significance of locations like the Casquets and Alderney. The discussion also highlights the complexities of collaboration and resistance during the German occupation, as well as the challenges faced by local populations. The conversation explores various aspects of life in Guernsey during the occupation, focusing on recruitment efforts, education initiatives, curfews, health concerns, food sho...
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 oc...
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 com...
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 hig...
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 text Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here. If ...
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