I'm off to Jersey in May, and wondered if anyone could recommend a good guide for the WWII sites there. I already know the big ones but would like to squeeze at much in as possible. Thanks in advance.
Little thread here Chad: Jersey. The one book I really wish I'd got before going was ATB's : WAR IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS THEN AND NOW - worth every penny in retrospect. Most of the other guides I've seen are either very lightweight touristy ones, or very site-specific ones from the occupation society. Speaking of which, send them a message beforehand - again, we left it too late but they seem a friendly bunch and pretty keen to show off the better bunkers to which they hold keys. One of the best spots for us was St. Ouens beach - superb little museum with a very informative owner (His odd militaria and over-sized clothing shop in St. Helier was a real treat too). Near st Ouens we found pretty much the entire coastline an easy walk with lots of concrete and strangeness, including one of the iconic Artillery OPs... Not specifically WW2, but see if you can have a shufti at Gorey castle too - one of the nicest castles I've ever seen or stayed at, even improved by German OPs grafted onto the towers. An odd place.
Thanks for that and the thread pointer, seeing as you've been there is the transport out to the castle off St Hellier (Elizabeth castle perhaps?) still a DUKW or is it gone? Was 30 years ago mind you.
Thanks for that and the thread pointer, seeing as you've been there is the transport out to the castle off St Hellier (Elizabeth castle perhaps?) still a DUKW or is it gone? Was 30 years ago mind you. I think the DUKW was phased out a few years ago, unfortunatelj but you can still travel by some sort of amphibious vehicle: elizabethcastle. A word of caution to anyone travelling to Jersey and intending to acquire any historic artefacts - the States of Jersey have recently become signatories to the Valetta Convention, which is aimed at protecting cultural heritage. The Customs and Excise now require an export license before any cultural item can be removed permanently or temporarily from the island. This could be interpreted to apply to WW2 material so have a think before you part with cash for that MG42 tripod etc...... CS
Elizabeth Castle is full of WW2 interest as much of the castle was used by the Germans - I will hopefully be publishing my photos from various holidays on this forum when time allows Alderney is really worth a visit due to the massive amount of fortifications from various parts of its history - there are daily flights from Jersey Chris
WNC Have a great time, took Mrs ABE there for a wedding anniversary some years ago, flew from London City airport and stayed at the de vere Grand, very nice. Dont forget to do the underground hospital, but also non WW2! do visit the Gerald Durrell Zoo which I think is in the north of the island! We hired a car and didnt realise it was so small!! As Mrs ABE isnt really into WW2 bits and pieces 9and I dont drive) I didnt get to see everything......but as VP says the Occupation Society do open some of the bunkers etc.. I had a very interesting chat with some of them, and only cost me a quid to get on! Plenty of pics please Andy
I'm off to Jersey in May, and wondered if anyone could recommend a good guide for the WWII sites there. I already know the big ones but would like to squeeze at much in as possible. Thanks in advance. I'm going to Jersey in May to
