Jersey

[von Poop]

Going to Jersey for a week in the Summer.
(remember 'summer' UK-ites.. That bit that's marginally warmer/drier between Winter and Winter)
It looks like I might get away for a proper shamble round the Occupation sites for a day and have been appointed 'official pointer-out of lumps of concrete with Rusty bits poking out'.
I'm reading the books, scanning the websites and collecting the photos but can anyone who's been there give an opinion of what's a must see?? (or even what's not worth bothering with.)
I seem to remember there was a Russian Cemetary there, I had some pictures of it post-war (if it was Jersey? maybe another island?) anyone know if there's still any trace of it?
Cheers,
Adam.

[Owen]

Adam
We did Guernsey in 2000.For two weeks.I made sure we did more than a day on WW2. Used the After The Battle book as a good guide.
I loved it. Good listening to stories of an old lady who was there in the war. She was terrified of the Soviet POWs more than the Germans.
(Didn't get to Jersey though. Alderney had a concentration camp.)
Also have a read herehttp://www.travelintelligence.net/ph...art.php?id=388

PS Have a nice holiday.

[Gibbo]

It's 28 years since I was there but I'm sure that the major WW2 related sight will still be the Underground Hospital, built by slave labour. From what I can remember, there were then several small museums of the period but no single large one. I'm going for a beer tomorrow with a friend who was there last year & is interested in military history. I'll get a more up to date view from him & post it over the weekend.

[Gerry Chester]

Hi VP,

The German built underground hospital is a must. Gorey Castle, long under siege some centuries ago should not be missed.

Enjoy the island,

From another island, cheers, Gerry

[von Poop]

Cheers everybody, good stuff so far.
Everyone's telling me the Hospital is the Number one spot so that's on the list.
Owen, I'm a great believer in anything published by 'after the battle' so I might just order that.
As for Gorey castle, I think that's where i'm staying for the week (Elizabethan re-enacting...) though there's 2 castles so I may be at the other, keep forgetting which.
Any more info?

[Gibbo]

I spoke to my friend who was there a couple of years ago & he confirmed that the Underground Hospital is the most impressive thing to see. He suggested not starting with it as other places might seem an anti-climax after it. He recommended the Jersey Museum for the history of the island & the Occupation Museum, which are both in St. Helier. He thinks that there is a vehicle museum on the west of the island but didn't visit it. There are also a lot of WW2 fortifications dotted about the place.

[von Poop]

Been now. Stayed at Gorey castle, recently restored and the best I've seen (and I've seen a few) enhanced by 3 of the towers carrying German OP's. Concrete hunting while coming in on the Seacat was fascinating and very tricky, it gave little idea of the sheer scale of the defences, nor how well-hidden they were.
Went to the underground hospital but found it disappointing, interesting structure but presented in the rather vapid 'PR' way that museums seem to aim for recently.
Met a pleasingly mad old chap & his wife on the saturday, both were present during the occupation (tales of cat-eating and turnip Jam) who directed us to Noirmont point and Corbiere point and from there to follow the coast... very good advice.
The OP tower and Battery at Noirmont are impressive but they pale when compared with the defences north of St. Ouens bay. If we'd followed our cries of 'Concrete!' every time another bunker/emplacement was spotted we'd have been there far longer than the several hours we managed.
Also along the beach at St. Ouens was a Bunker with a French Tank turret mounted on top (Char-b?) which contained the Channel Islands Military Museum. which was a superb collection of militaria with some of the finest preserved examples of German & Allied kit i've ever seen anywhere, part owned by a chap who runs a militaria shop from the back of his clothes shop in St. Helier, very friendly bloke who helped add to 2 mates Kriegsmarine and Propoganda collections. He also sold our 13 year old companion his first piece of German Militaria (nice price, top bloke)...
If you visit be prepared to get lost on the bizarre roads and risk your life while looking at German defences perched on some of the most beautiful coastal cliffs I've ever seen. It's truly brought home to me that when I read an account of an assault on a battery it's not necesarily the handful of guns in a mud hole that my mind conjures but can also mean an emplacement the size of a small town riddled with large calibre guns,(many still there) impressive stuff.
jersey 026.jpgjersey 035.jpgjersey 037.jpg
One of the Large OP towers is said to be being converted into holiday lets... so we may go back one day.
Jersey. Recommended... but it is quite a strange place.
Cheers,
Adam

[Owen]

Surprised you were sober enough to remember anything.
Picture #1 looks scary.

[von Poop]

No kids.
mmmmmm.
Duty free on the ferry, (though what's the use of a 1 litre spirit allowance???)
Certainly mildly dishevelled.

[spidge]

Originally Posted by Owen D

Surprised you were sober enough to remember anything.
Picture #1 looks scary.

Cold!!!!!!