The Channel Islands: A propaganda coup for the Nazis

THE Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by Germany during World War II.

The Germans arrived in July 1940 in what was presumed to be a prelude to the invasion of Britain, and quickly established heavy fortifications.

In the eyes of the British government, the strategic importance of the islands were of little value, but the Germans regarded their capture as a significant propaganda coup.

The move was described as "Hitler wiping his feet on the doormat of England". For the first two years there were no large-scale deportations, but the situation changed in September 1942 after the British began to intern Germans living in Persia, fearful of German monopolisation of Persian oil.

Those targeted in the first wave were principally English-born men and their dependants.

Most were given just 12 hours notice and had no idea where they were going or what would happen to them. Between 1942 and 1943, more than 2,000 residents were deported. Most were eventually taken to camps in south-west Germany.

Despite the liberation of most of France in 1944, the islanders were not finally freed until 9 May, 1945.

Since the end of the occupation, the anniversary of Liberation Day on 9 May has been celebrated as a national holiday.