History

One of the most significant and fascinating periods of Guernsey’s history was when German forces occupied the island during the Second World War. The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles under German control during the conflict, and there remains plenty of evidence of their stay; coastlines are dotted with well-preserved fortifications built by German soldiers, and museums hold memories of those times to explore. More recently, the life of occupied islanders was featured in the film The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

Each of the Islands of Guernsey had distinct experiences during the Second World War, becoming part of the Atlantic Wall when German troops arrived to claim the Islands. The smaller islands each served a different strategic purpose: From Alderney’s total takeover and evacuation to Herm’s use for landing practices, no island was spared the touch of enemy troops. They also all now celebrate the 1945 Liberation differently according to when they regained their freedom.