Created by Julie Goucher using wordclouds.com March 2020

The Channel Islands were during the Second World War, occupied by the Nazis and the lives of the Islanders changed perhaps for ever.

It of course, was not just the Islanders, whose lives were irrevocably changed, but those too of individuals and families who were detained under the regime, many millions displaced at the war end or in death.

Meaning, that for those researching their family history or those following a surname, may find it a challenge to locate individuals. On visiting Jersey, there is a persistent theme across the island; an immense acknowledgement of the war years. I visited one venue, and was surprised to find plaques of former prisoners from across western Europe who had endured, not just the hardness of war and that of their captors, but also the enforced labour they had to provide. The plaques at this venue represent those who died on Jersey as a result of excessive work, lack of food and rest, illness & disease. Indeed, this was sobering and the world needed to be shown the endurance displayed by the islanders and those brought in to work.

Below are a few links to explore, many of which have catalogues and collections.

• Channel Islands Occupation Society
• Jersey Heritage
• The Alderney Society
• Channel Islands Family History Society
• Family Search Wiki – Jersey pages
• Jerripedia (Jersey Wiki) – Links to BMD’s and other searchable databases
• The Guernsey Society
• French Refugee Marriages in St Helier (Jersey)
• Garrison Regiments posted to Jersey
• GENUKI (Channel Island pages)
• Channel Island pages on European Ancestors

Taking part in the A-Z Challenge for 2020