The Parish of Trinity
The Outbreak of War
The
British Prime Minister’s speech, the flames of war come closer, queues
of people are evacuated, the Germans prepare to invade, the Family
watches and ponders evacuation.
The Parish of Grouville
Occupation
The
British and Jersey flags are replaced by the Swastika, Jersey
surrenders, German troops enjoy being photographed by the Town Hall (“der
Rathaus”), the Family watches soldiers marching.
The Parish of St Helier
Restrictions
Rationing,
ID cards, censorship of the Evening Post, curfew and blackout, the
Family risks severe penalties by listening to the wireless.
The Parish of St Peter
Transport
Petrol
shortages lead to horse-drawn vehicles and bicycles, requisitioned vehicles are sent to France, a van is powered by gas, the Family buys
bread from a horse-drawn van.
The Parish of St Saviour
Everyday Needs
Gathering
firewood in the country, the black market, shortages affect the
Hospital, clothes are patched, the Family gets hot food from the
Communal Kitchens in town.
The Parish of St Lawrence
School and Work
At
school children learn German, low-water fishing is restricted, local
labour is used to build the new North Road, the Family children wear
their coats in school because of the cold.
The Parish of St Ouen
Social Life
Cinema,
theatre and concerts continue despite poor transport and the curfew,
sports are an important leisure activity, churches become a social and
community focus, the Family attends events to escape the boredom of
Occupation.
The Parish of St Brelaide
Government
The
Bailiff works with the German authorities to maintain the Island’s
administration, the Swastika flies outside the Town Hall, Jersey stamps
are printed as British ones run out, the Family looks at V for Victory
signs which annoy the Germans.
The Parish of St Mary
Sent Overseas
Some
Islanders are deported for a variety of crimes, some try to escape and
some succeed, a British commando raid results in the loss of the captain
as he steps on a mine, the Family watch some of the deportees leave.
St John
By-Passed
The
sound of Allied planes flying over gives hope to the Islanders, most fly
over but some attack enemy ships in the harbour area, the Family
shelters beneath the kitchen table.
St Martin
The Red Cross
At
last Red Cross parcels save the Islanders from starvation, the SS Vega
is a welcome sight, the Family receive their precious parcels.
St Clement
Liberation
The
British and Jersey flags fly again, Churchill broadcasts his famous
speech, British soldiers arrive to great rejoicing, the Family gather
outside the Pomme d’Or as the Island is liberated.
