September 1st, 1939: Nazi Germany moves to invade Poland.
September 2nd, 1939: The United Kingdom and France offer an ultimatum that requires the removal of German force from Poland.
September 3rd, 1939: PM Neville Chamberlain announces over BBC Radio the expiration of the UK’s ultimatum to Germany and declares war. “consequently this nation is at war with Germany”
June 30th, 1940: Nazi Germany invades the Channel Islands.
July 1st, 1940: Nazi Germany complete their invasion of the Channel Islands.
During the Occupation, life for Islanders changed dramatically. Over the 5 years under Nazi rule, islanders were forced to accept several changes and new laws, some of which are as follows:
- Confiscation of weapons, boats, radios, vehicles, fuel, furniture (1940), and cameras (1942).
- Clocks set to German time (1940).
- Drive on the Right side of the road (1941).
- Occupation identity cards.
- Learn the German language at school.
- Censorship and control over public communications.
The occupying forces also built several bunkers and fortifications that were fully equip with a large array of weapons, including anti-aircraft rifles (the remains of which can still be seen today all over the island). Barbed wire and mines littered the coast of Jersey and access to the island’s famous beaches was completely prohibited.
Throughout the Occupation, many islanders did what they could to resist their occupiers. Many people made, hid and distributed crystal radio set and underground newspaper services. Other forms of resistance included sheltering Russian slave workers and Jews. Anyone found guilty of the above ‘crimes’ were often sent to concentration camps in Europe. 570 people from both Jersey and Guernsey were sent to Europe as punishment.
Known for running the Island based on fear, the Germans often had informants. People who informed often informed on their neighbours, friends and even members of their own family. This was out fear of punishment and often the temptation of rewards such as the promise of extra rations.
May 9th 1945: The Liberation of Jersey.
