Islands at War

As we delve into May 1944, the atmosphere in the Channel Islands is a paradox of hope and despair. Residents are caught in a web of anticipation, sensing that something monumental is on the horizon. I...

 SummaryThis episode provides a detailed look into the life and times during the occupation of the Channel Islands in April 1944, exploring food shortages, military activities, and the resilience of i...

Nick spoke to Dave Hewitt a long term listener to the show, and a man who has spent 40 years exploring occupation history. Dave is based in the UK but Nick and he caught up on a recent visit to the Is...

SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the ongoing challenges faced by the islands during the occupation in September 1943. They explore themes of post-war planning, media censorship, social welfar...

In the midst of World War II, even small islands like Guernsey played a significant role in the larger narrative of conflict and culture. This blog post delves into a recent episode of "Islands a...

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 im...

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, th...

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...

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 complex...

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 thri...

Nick spoke to Simon De La Rue of the Guernsey Press about his project 80 days to Liberation which started on 18 February and runs all the way to the 80th anniversary of Liberation on 9 May 2025. Find ...

March is a busy month with a lot going on!Not least the whole of the Guernsey Police Force being arrested.  We talk about how this happened.A bit about the German Police and their methods.A funny stor...

This episode we talk about the attack on German shipping in the harbour.  It was a spectacular low-level attack by three Beauforts of 82 Squadron Coastal Command. Listen to me talk about the raid and ...

Nick had a brainwave that it might be fun to explore the use of the local language, Guernésiais, Pronounced 'JEHR-nehz-yay', it is also known as 'Guernsey French' or 'patois&a...

This episode Nick talks to Ceri Thomas who visited Guernsey recently. Ceri gives a visitors perspective on the Occupation.Thanks to Ceri for taking the time to record this.Send us Fan MailIf you use t...

You can find photos and links to things we talked about here.Its October 1941 and the Germans are worried about a British attempt to retake the Channel Islands.We had a couple of clarifications and co...

In this episode Keith talks to Tim Osborne of Tim's Guided Walks about his recommended books about the German occupation. Tim tells us why these books are so important to him and how they help hi...

In this episode Nick chats to Tim Osborne about the Lancaster that landed in Sark, the RAF Typhoon raids on the radars at Fort George, what went at the camps in Alderney and the German railway in Guer...

Keith and I can't believe we have covered a year of the the Occupation this episode! There was a lot going on some of which was a bit disturbing to say the least.  We talk about one of the first ...

In the June 1940 episode Keith and I talked about a couple of corrections and additional information from the pilot episode.   Links to books and things we talked about are here.Then we get on with th...