The German occupation of Jersey occurred in 1940 and lasted for the majority of the Second World War up until 1945. For five years, residents of Jersey were forced into labour, faced major restrictions, experienced mass deportation and nearly ended up starving as a result of the occupation. Hitler sought to turn Jersey into an impregnable fortress which resulted in the construction of tunnels, bunkers, concrete defences and anti-tank walls. The historic background of these fortifications can be experienced at Jersey War Tunnels, The Channel Islands Military Museum and by visiting the different German bunkers that are scattered around the Island. If you want to know more about COVID restrictions, please check the operator’s website.
The Jersey occupation remains an integral part of the Island’s history, as the Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by German forces during World War Two. The island had been demilitarized by the British government for the safety of their citizens and on the 28th June 1940, German Air Forces attacked after mistaking civilian farming lorries for troop carriers, which killed 10 people. On the 1st July General Richthofen, The Commander of the German Air Forces in Normandy, demanded the immediate surrender of the island. White flags and crosses were put up around the Island forced by the Germans and the day after Jersey was occupied by air-borne troops under the command of Hauptmann Gussek.
Jersey had become an impregnable fortress by the demands of Hitler. Thousands of slave workers from around Europe built bunkers, railway systems, tunnel complexes and anti-tank walls. All of these fortifications were part of Hitler’s “Atlantic Wall”. All of these fortifications can be visited to fully experience what life was like for citizens during this time.
On the 3rd May operation ‘Nestegg’ was set in motion by the British Military with the aim of liberating the Channel Islands by using the British Army units ‘Force 135’. On the 7th May 1945, the German army has surrendered and the end of the war in Europe was announced. Force 135 arrived in Jersey on the morning of 8 May and together with the officials they negotiated terms for German surrender. At 3:00pm Winston Churchill announced the end of the war and on 9 May Siegfried Heine signed the Instrument of Surrender of the German Command of the Channel Islands, effecting their capitulation. The 9 May is now known as Liberation Day and widely celebrated amongst the citizens of Jersey.
For an interesting historical experience and to discover Jersey’s occupation story there is an assortment of historical sites that you can visit. You can even take a guided tour to learn about the specifics of each location.
Learn about the Occupation with Jersey War Tours. Offering private bunker tours not open to the public, Jersey War Tours is the only Non-Profit Organisation offering military tours on the island. You’ll get the chance to visit 3 fortifications and handle WWII weaponry, mines and artifacts (all safe). JWT also offers evening bunker tours, offering a unique and unforgettable atmosphere when discovering the fortifications. Any profit JWT makes is reinvested back into WW2 research, preservation, education and archaeology. JWT is passionate about sharing Jersey’s history with you to offer an experience you won’t forget. Visit JWT here.
Browse our holidays to Jersey and start planning your trip to discover the unique history and the beautiful island of Jersey.
To get a true experience of what life was like during Jersey’s occupation visit Jersey War Tunnels or as the location was known during the war, Hohlgangsanlage 8.
A trip to Jersey is not complete without a visit to Jersey War Tunnels to learn about the true story of the occupation in Jersey.
Explore over 1,000 meters of tunnels that goes 50 meters underground. The imposing, cavernous entrance tunnel will take you deep into the hillside, into a network of extraordinary tunnels unlike anything you have seen before. This vast network of underground tunnels was designed to allow the German occupying infantry to withstand Allied air raids and bombardment in the event of an invasion. In 1943, it was converted into an emergency hospital.
In addition to the exhibition, visitors can also enjoy the Escape Rooms, War Trail, Garden of Reflection, visitor centre, café and gift shop.
Tickets can be purchased online at jerseywartunnels.com
After exploring the tunnels make sure to follow the War Trail, the series of footpaths helps to provide an interesting inside into the fortifications built by the Germans. The remains of the anti-aircraft battery have remained untouched since 1945.
Jersey War Tunnels also houses two escape rooms, the Operation Constellation and Escape to Blighty. Both escape rooms cost £20 per person.
The Vega Café tearoom serves delicious cakes and drinks to help fuel your day of fun. The interior and décor of the café is completely inspired by the 1940’s to recreate an authentic experience.
The tranquil Garden of Reflection is an area dedicated to peace, an opportunity to reflect on the Jersey’s occupation. There are 64 plaques that commemorate Jersey residents who died because of the occupation and a further 50 plaques that communicate facts regarding conflict. A place of reflect of those we have lost and the wider issues of military warfare.
Jersey War Tunnels, Les Charrieres, Malorey, St Lawrence, Jersey, JE3 1FU
The war tunnels are located in St. Lawrence, which is 4 miles north-west of St Helier, so easily accessible by bus, car or the Jersey War Tunnel shuttle bus which runs between April - October.
The tunnels and bunkers were used by German forces during the German occupation of Jersey to protect their troops, supplies and equipment from bombing
For the average visitor, it takes around 2 hours to explore the war tunnels. You can extend your tour by taking part in activities at the craft centre, walk around the war trail or visit the Garden of Reflection.
Yes, an underground hospital was built and used by German Forces between 1940 - 1945 during the occupation to treat soldiers and store ammunition.
