Map of the military zone published in the Evening Post
That Was Jersey |
Local history for everyone |
CHANNEL ISLANDS |
The first Germans of the occupying force arrived in Jersey on 1st July 1940. At first they expected the war to be soon over, and it wasn’t until the spring of 1941 that they began a programme to build defences against a possible British raid on the Islands. Many of these defences formed part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall.
However, the military authorities felt they needed a coastal military zone where Jersey people were not allowed. The Military Zone was declared in 1940, ensuring that the north coast was free of residents, and most of the remainder of the coast was affected in some way with access being only available by special permit.
During 1941 further defences were ordered, more army personnel arrived, and workers with the Organisation Todt formed the civilian workforce made up of conscripted and slave labour, supplemented by volunteers. Over the following few months, huge amounts of concrete were used in building a range of bunkers and gun emplacements to house guns and the men responsible for using them. Other structures and sites included ordnance yards (for storing munitions). Huge amounts of sand were removed from the Island’s beaches to make the concrete. Eventually supplies of cement ran low and the building programme slowed down.
Elizabeth Castle and Mont Orgueil Castle both suffered some concrete additions to their upper towers. These additions can be clearly seen, marked by the concrete used in contrast to the more usual granite.
The tunnels that became the German Underground Hospital were started in 1941 and gradually developed into the Hospital we see today. The location was originally conceived as part of the complex of tunnels linking various military sites, but was turned into a hospital as the threat of a British assault on the islands seemed more likely to the German forces. Much of the building work here was done by Operation Todt workers, and many died during its construction.
Other tunnels were dug giving access to sensitive areas of the German military complex. The bunkers at St Catherine’s, for example, are linked by tunnels.
In order to move the large quantities of stone, sand and other materials around the Island, the Germans built their own railways. (See Railways for more information)
The many concrete bunkers and command posts were manned by armed soldiers. Some of the more complicated structures housed a large group of men; their offices, stores and supplies occupied several rooms.
Most of these concrete defences built by the Germans are still in place today. They can be found throughout the Island. Some are in the care of the Channel Islands Occupation Society, and they may be open for visits.
