Islands at War

You can read more about Major Chambers attempt to communicate with the island Kommandant here. If you want to purchase a copy of my book or find out more pleasse go here. Send us Fan Mail If you use the send us a text option and would like us to contact you please leave a contact method such as an email. Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here. If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website...

As August 1944 unfolded, residents of the Channel Islands found themselves in a precarious situation, balancing between hope and despair as they awaited the Allies' arrival. This month’s episode of Islands at War dives deep into the daily lives and concerns of the islanders, as narrated through various diaries and first hand accounts. A Return from Silence It’s been a while since our last episode, and in that time, both Keith and Nick have been busy. From tour guiding to research, they’ve gat...

In this episode we introduce a new diary, Baron Hans Max Baron von und zu Aufsess, you can get his diaries here. His diary chronicles in detail his dealings with the civilian population, his ‘parishioners’ as he called them, and with the leading island politicians in Jersey and Guernsey. There were disagreements and wrangles but by and large Aufsess managed to oversee an occupation considerably less oppressive than any other in Europe. The Escape of Graham Buckingham. One of the most grippin...

The episode proceeds from the fourth anniversary of occupation and post–D-Day hope fading into an anxious wait, through tightening blockades, naval and air activity around the islands, shifting German behaviour, and the psychological toll on civilians. It closes with a preview of August 1944 (notably Saint-Malo) and contemporary updates on Nick’s work and community projects. Key Discussion Points Four Years of Occupation and a Shift in Mood (Early July 1944) The occupation’s grim milestone: f...

In a departure from the German Occupation Nick talks to Chris Oliver about the origins and war time experience during the First World War. We also talk about how that impacted the Island in the Second World War. Explore the rich history of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry, its origins, key battles in WWI, and its lasting legacy on the island. Discover how this regiment shaped Guernsey's identity and the efforts to preserve its memory for future generations. Plus Guernsey's finest hour ...