An occupation in a military sense is the control of a country/ region by a military force. The Occupation of Jersey by the Nazis began on 30th June 1940 and concluded with the Liberation of the Island on the 9th of May 1945. The occupation brought about a lot of change within the Channel Islands, from the banning of personal motor vehicles to the mining of all beaches and the fortification of the island as a whole, of these fortifications, many still stand today as reminders of the islands past under Nazi rule.
In the early stages of the second world war, Jersey played a part in an allied bombing mission on Turin and Genoa in Italy. 36 Whitley bomber aircraft used Jersey as a refueling base before launching their attack on northern Italian industrial targets. This was the islands last military usage.
Jersey was liberated a day after the surrender of the Nazis on May the 9th, 1945 by two naval officers from the Royal Navy aboard HMS Beagle. The 9th of May is now an annual public holiday in Jersey and is widely celebrated by all ages.
I am particularly interested in the liberation of Jersey and the legacy it has left upon the island, and the way that May 9th has gone down in history as a day to be widely celebrated across Jersey. I find it a very interesting subject as It truly highlights the spirit of the Island and it celebrates those islanders whom lived through oppression and their will and determination as well as their loyalty to the crown despite being under German rule at the time.
Reminders of the loyalty to the crown and faith in the allies lies at our very feet in Jersey. An example can be found in royal square, Where towards the westerly end of the square, A V shape can be found in the paving. These bricks were lain by Jersey pavers under German supervision and are a symbol of defiance. The V itself stands for victory and throughout the latter phases of the occupation, V’s were spray painted onto road signs and buildings across the Island as an act of defiance and silent rebellion against the occupying forces.
Within my family there is a strong connection to the occupation as both of my grandparents on my mothers side lived In Jersey at the time of the occupation. Liberation to my Grandparents was an extremely important day and one they celebrated every single year without failure, and the day itself has therefore maintained significance through the generations.
