Islands at War
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
Islands at War
DECEMBER 1942 - PART 2 -WHIRLIBOMBERS, WELLINGTONS, FORCED WORKERS, CONVOY ATTACKED, CRIME & MORE
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 significance of these events and their implications for understanding the occupation period.
- The Reverend Ord documented the dire conditions of slave workers.
- Local residents witnessed the suffering of displaced individuals.
- The Germans implemented strict surveillance on hotels and boarding houses.
- Violence and crime increased during the occupation, often attributed to desperate conditions.
- Transportation was severely limited, impacting daily life and commerce.
- Charcoal-burning buses were introduced but were not very effective.
- Military engagements included air attacks that affected local communities.
- Community members often had to barter for food and clothing due to shortages.
- The historical context of the occupation reveals the complexities of life during wartime.
- Reflections on these events provide insights into the resilience of the community.
We also talked about the loss of two Whirlwinds during a convoy attack which you can find here.
** Breaking News** Islands at War are delighted to be invited to the the Imperial War Museum London to record a live episode of the show as part of their Podcast Live Festival. It takes place on 1 November 2025 details on the link here.
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If you want to email in a question send it to occupied@gnetradio.com. 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.
