Islands at War cover art

Islands at War

Islands at War

By: Islands At War
Listen for free

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

© 2026 Islands at War World
Episodes
  • JULY 1944 - THE BLOCKADE TIGHTENS! RESISTANCE, DESPAIR, AND DANGER

    JULY 1944 - THE BLOCKADE TIGHTENS! RESISTANCE, DESPAIR, AND DANGER
    Jun 22 2026
    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 PointsFour Years of Occupation and a Shift in Mood (Early July 1944)The occupation’s grim milestone: four years since German forces arrived (Guernsey, June 30; Jersey, July 1).After D-Day (June 1944) elation fades; by early July the islands settle into a tense limbo—hope tempered by despair.Civilians sense the Allied advance in France despite tighter German censorship; propaganda fails to match reality.The State of the German GarrisonNo post–D-Day influx of retreating troops from France; Hitler’s orders prioritize fortification of the islands.Wounded German soldiers arrive for treatment at the underground hospital, but supplies to the garrison dwindle.Construction workers (e.g., Organisation Todt) and political prisoners depart—projects cease and Alderney’s vulnerability is anticipated.Discipline and demeanour shift: diarists note an unexpectedly “obsequious,” polite tone from German troops, likely reflecting uncertainty and attempts to maintain order against slovenliness and insubordination.Daily-Life Constraints and Economic PeculiaritiesCommunications: early July phone calls curtailed; exchanges guarded to suppress information. Civilian phone use reportedly restored on July 7.Medical access: petrol for doctors cut again; calls to physicians had to be made before 10 a.m., increasing stress.Food and fuel: meat ration absent for weeks; coke substitutes failing; communal cooking plans drafted in case of gas failure.Tomatoes are free due to a glut—an odd bright spot amid scarcity.Currency strains:Islanders hoard British sterling, fearing local German-issued currency will be worthless.German money deposits peak at £98,000 in local banks as residents try to preserve value.Friction arises: Reichsmarks issued in the Channel Islands aren’t usable in Germany; authorities move currency to stabilize transactions.Control of Information and Civil DefenceCrackdowns on illegal radio listening persist; arrests aim to prevent rebellion despite civilians’ lack of weapons.Islanders quietly build air raid shelters and hideouts; pre-war preparations date at least to 1937 (sirens and equipment procurement).Lists of first-aid centres and contingency communal cooking plans appear by July 10.Rumours and Human MomentsViolet Carey’s rare entry (July 5) captures a torrent of rumours: Guernsey as an “open town,” curfew extended to 11 p.m., schools reopening, fishing permitted, Red Cross messages arriving, and a supposed major air raid on Jersey (dismissed).“Cheer up Guernsey” silver-paper leaflet reportedly signed by “Sergeant Booth” appears—part of resumed Allied leaflet drops shifting toward demoralizing German troops while offering morale boosts to civilians.Bizarre incidents:A German “civilian officer” billeted with a local woman brings a radio she recognizes as her own confiscated in 1942—still bearing her name tag. He locks it away, exemplifying the “moral inversion” of occupation life.A local ad seeks foster parents for a baby due in October, a poignant sign of wartime desperation.A morale-boosting tale spreads: a girl allegedly throws dirty water on a German soldier, candidly saying she “always wanted to do this,” and receives only a warning.Fisheries and Inconsistent PolicyFishing boats “unexpectedly allowed out,” suggesting eroding coherence and inconsistent German administration.War in the Skies and Allied Operations (Mid–Late July 1944)The skies over the islands become a constant theatre of war connected to Normandy offensives (Operation Goodwood and Operation Cobra).Heavy German flak is commonplace; emergency medical facilities are prepared.Aircraft incidents:July 17: A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress enroute to France is shot down over Guernsey; pilot named Bob Sheehan (details of crash site unknown).July 27: An Avro Lancaster comes down off Alderney; no rescue boat is sent from Braye Harbour.Leaflet drops intensify after the July 20 assassination attempt on Hitler, shaking German morale and tightening discipline.Naval Activity and Blockade TighteningGerman submarines and minesweepers linger in island harbours, unable to reach ports like Cherbourg—visible signs of Germany’s worsening position.Operation Dredger (July 7–8): HMCS Huron and HMS Tartar sink German minesweeper M 4605, targeting German “security vessels” (minesweepers, armed fishing boats).July 24: The German armed trawler V 209 Dr. Rudolf Wahrendorff is attacked and sunk by RAF aircraft near St. Peter Port Harbour; the wreck is still dive able with permission.Bureaucracy, Small Victories, and Everyday ...
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • A SPECIAL EPISODE - THE ROYAL GUERNSEY LIGHT INFANTRY WITH CHRIS OLIVER

    A SPECIAL EPISODE - THE ROYAL GUERNSEY LIGHT INFANTRY WITH CHRIS OLIVER
    Jun 4 2026

    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 when the RGLI were held off the Germans at immense cost to the regiment.

    Chris also talks about the efforts to preserve the memory and also the good that has come from exchange visits and more with people from Maisnières.

    You can find out more here about the RGLI and the work of the trust.

    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 occupied@gnetradio.com.

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • JUNE 1944 PART 2

    JUNE 1944 PART 2
    May 25 2026
    As June 1944 arrived, the Channel Islands found themselves at the centre of a pivotal moment in World War II. With D-Day marking a significant turning point in the war, the expectations of islanders soared, but the reality of the situation quickly set in. In this post, we’ll delve into the events of June 1944, exploring daily life under occupation, military actions, and the resilience of those living in this unique historical context.## The Initial Excitement and Rising TensionsThe early days of June were filled with anticipation. As Ambrose Robbins, a senior civil servant, noted in his diary, there was a palpable excitement among the people, with many almost "drunk on expectation." However, this excitement was soon tempered by the reality of intensified military presence and strict regulations imposed by the occupying forces. The local authorities began cracking down on gatherings, fearing potential plotting against them. The fear of signalling to Allied aircraft was also prevalent, leading to severe penalties for those caught in violation of the regulations.## Military Activity: The Battle for Control### The Submarine ChaseBy mid-June, the Allies were increasingly active in the region, leading to significant military engagements. For instance, a damaged German submarine found itself chased around the islands, drawing attention from both military and civilian observers. The submarine’s presence illustrated the dangers and uncertainties of life during wartime, as local residents could hear and see the ongoing naval battles from their shores. Bombings were frequent, causing damage to property and creating a constant atmosphere of fear among the population.### Air Raids and Civilian ImpactOn the 15th of June, a major attack on St Peter Port Harbour resulted in substantial casualties. Reverend Oud’s diary recounts multiple waves of attacks, highlighting the increasing dangers faced by both military personnel and civilians. The inability to communicate effectively, compounded by the German control of telephone exchanges, created chaos. Without reliable communication, doctors and emergency services struggled to coordinate responses, leaving many in dire situations.## Daily Life Under Occupation### Rationing and ResourcesLife on the islands became increasingly challenging as the Germans imposed stricter rationing measures. By mid-June, locals were reporting scarcity of essential supplies, with rations of bread and meat becoming increasingly limited. Residents were forced to adapt to these changes, often relying on makeshift cooking methods, such as using wood fires, as gas supplies were cut off completely.### Community ResilienceDespite the hardships, the community showed remarkable resilience. Islanders communicated through letters and face-to-face meetings, fostering a sense of solidarity. This adaptability was essential in maintaining morale as the population faced uncertain futures. Humor also played a role in coping with the tensions, evidenced by the emergence of new slang terms reflecting the local sentiment toward the occupying forces.## Key Takeaways- **The Importance of Historical Context**: Understanding the events of June 1944 provides valuable insights into the experiences of those living in the Channel Islands during World War II. The diaries and accounts from this period reveal the daily struggles and resilience of the local population.- **Military Engagements' Impact on Civilians**: The military actions during this month directly affected civilian life, leading to loss, fear, and a sense of vulnerability. The constant threat of bombings and naval confrontations underscored the precariousness of their situation.- **Community Adaptation and Resilience**: The ability of the islanders to adapt to their circumstances and maintain their spirit highlights the strength of human resilience in times of adversity.## ConclusionThe events of June 1944 in the Channel Islands represent a crucial intersection of military history and human experiences. As the islanders navigated the complexities of life under occupation, their stories remind us of the profound impact of war on everyday lives. Understanding these narratives not only honours their experiences but also enriches our comprehension of history's broader strokes.Send us Fan MailIf 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 occupied@gnetradio.com. 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.
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet