Julie Goucher ~ Anglers Rest

Back in part one I mentioned that upon entering the War Tunnels we were given replicas of two Jersey Identification documents. Here are ours.

The mood was very sombre as people completed their visit to the War Tunnels, caught up with the thoughts of what could have happened, many of us present would be leading very different lives. We made our way to the restaurant, for a much needed sit down and cup of something and a light lunch. The sombre mood continued in the restaurant, not just for us, but others who were present. I could not initially understand it, until I looked at the walls.

Across the walls was some information of those Islanders whose lives were reflected upon the Identity Cards. I searched for our first one; Belza Alther Turner. There was no trace of her, I searched again, no there was definitely no information. Slightly disappointed I turned to the second one. Albert Gustave Bedane.

Albert Bedane showed incredible bravery, he paid the ultimate price. He was awarded, posthumously Isreael’s highest Holocoust Honour.

On the way out I asked at the desk if there was any information on the fate of Beliza Turner. Nothing has survived. Although born in Canada, whose links were entangled with the United Kingdom. She was more than likely evacuated from Jersey to Germany and did not return. Although perhaps, you know differently?

The whole experience of the visit to the War Tunnels was truly amazing. I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit to them.

On the way out of the tunnels is another reminder, that the over a mile long tunnels were built at the cost of human life.

…..and almost the final word

The Grave Markers has been cross posted to Grave Encounters

Thankfully, the Occupational Forces did not finish building the tunnels. What were unfinished have been sealed and are available to view as a reminder for the conditions that were experiences by those who were forced to build them.

The second photograph shows how dark it was in the tunnels and the photograph above is an artist reflective account of those who worked in this enforced conditions.

There is as you walk around the exhibition a taped and video feed from those who were on the island and were either evacuated to Germany or of those who watched fellow Islanders be evacuated to Germany. Those that went to Germany were not told where they were going.

…..and eventually, parcels from the Red Cross started to arrive, but after years of hardship.

…..And eventually, the Islands were liberated.

There is a lovely, heart warming account by an islander, who was transcribing the news from an illegal (under German Occupation) Crystal set. The lady, who is moved to tears of joy recounts that the moment she heard Winston Churchill say that sentence she was overcome with emotion and didn’t bother writing the rest of the message down!

We woke on the Saturday of our holiday to a very heavy downpour of rain. We had already seen the forecast and had planned one of the places we had definitely wanted to visit for a day that was either very wet or very hot! Upon arrival at the tunnels and paying the entrance fee we were presented with copies of two Jersey identity cards. – read on to part four to discover why!

The signs outside, with engraved captions of the time are very powerful. Especially the one that reads “British Subjects will be evacuated and transferred to Germany”. 

The tunnels were built between 1941 and 1945 by forced and slave labour. The tunnels are complex and were initially built as bomb and gas proof storage and repair facility and then later converted to a hospital with capacity for 500 beds, which was never used.

There is a rather foreboding atmosphere, almost an historical sense of doom. As you enter through into the first exhibition it tells the story of Jersey, seen initially as the spot that you could visit safely whilst Europe was at War. The Islanders, I do not believed for one minute thought that they would be invaded. After all, the fortifications that had kept the island safe from the French for hundreds and hundreds of years would keep them safe….No! Then there is the sound, yes, just the sounds of planes above and the obviously sounds of war. The effects are very good and it heightens the reflections that this is the noise that the islands would have heard.

Having arrived on the island, there were a whole series of things that had to be complied with. Radios were to be handed it, those of Jewish descent were to make themselves known. There was rationing, with the islanders living on very little food.

Jar of Sugar Beet made during the German Occupation. Dated 1942.

When the weather is nice, clear and bright, it is possible to see the coastline of Guernsey. Suitably inspired with decided rather late the night before to do a trip across to Guernsey if the weather was OK. The last thing we wanted was a rough sailing!

After a hearty breakfast, and ensuring we had packed our day bag, not just with sunscreen as the sun was out and it was blowy, but with waterproof jackets we headed off to Elizabeth Pier to catch the ferry which left at 11.15. The ferry service operated by Condor is a swish affair, ping-ponging  its way across from Weymouth to Jersey via Guernsey several times a day. We left late, due to some cargo, and cars being awkward to load and set off for the hour crossing to Guernsey.

We docked and eventually foot passengers could disembark. We had arrived to a sunny & slightly blowy Guernsey. We picked up the Welcome to Guernsey pack as we arrived into the port and then walked the short distance into town. We found a nice spot to have an early lunch and plan the days events. The one thing with deciding to go at last minute was that we had nothing particularly planned and therefore could get a rough feel for the bit of the island that we had arrived in. In fairness, we will go back and spend a few days there. During lunch we decided to wander around the streets, look in the shops and simply enjoy what was a leisurely day.

After lunch, the war sun had gone in and been replaced with a rather grey looking sky. The rain did hold off until about 4.30pm when we donned our jackets, it was not heavy rain, but the drizzle type which always seems to get you soaked! We had booked for the last ferry from Guernsey which left for Jersey at 19.10 and would arrive back at Jersey an hour later, which left time for a quick walk back to the hotel, a shower and change before a late dinner.

But, things were not meant to be. The ferry was going to be an hour late arriving and then obviously would not arrive back to Jersey until after 9pm. By this time the rain was certainly coming down. We managed to find a seat and a cup of tea at the ferry terminal and wait for the late arriving ferry.

Back on Jersey, where the rain had not arrived yet, dinner that evening was a rather dubious affair from a fast food outlet, and was adequate! Despite, the lateness of the ferry and the rain we had a lovely day and wish to spend a few days in Guernsey to really appreciate what the island has to offer.

The island has a very different feel to it then Jersey. It almost feels that while Jersey has played up and truly promoted it proud history and culture, Guernsey has not; it is as proud of its historical journey as Jersey, but has rather played it down, in almost a humble way and that adds to the appeal of the Islands.