Channel Islands at war

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During World War II, although the German plans for a full-scale invasion of Great Britain—Operation 'Sealion'—failed, the Channel Islands were occupied for five years starting in July 1940. Despite numerous books on this period, much remains to be explored, particularly from the perspective of the German Occupation Forces. Questions abound, such as why bombing raids were conducted against defenseless civilians before the largely bloodless invasion, and who the troops were that formed the initial garrisons—were they truly 'hand-picked' as often claimed? While much has been written from a civilian viewpoint, little has emerged from the perspective of the German servicemen who garrisoned the islands, experiencing isolation, boredom, and starvation during the 'Hunger Winter' of 1944-45, despite being shielded from the Eastern Front's horrors. This work draws on first-hand accounts and a rich collection of historic photographs from various sources, including private collections. It chronicles the wartime years and provides a concise overview of the surviving relics of the Nazi occupation that can still be seen today.