Liberation. It's our story

Day-to-day government was left in the hands of what was called the ‘Superior Council’. This much devolved version of the States Cabinet was headed up by Bailiff Alexander Coutanche. Civil courts would continue in operation, but the German military courts would try any breaches of German Law. On 8 July 1940 instructions were given that any laws being passed through government were to be approved by the German Kommandant and that all German orders were to be registered as legislation. The German occupiers regularly gave orders through the Jersey Evening Post; pasting proclamations around St. Helier. 

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The economy of the Island immediately felt the effect. The Occupation caused large numbers of people to become unemployed. Governing authorities attempted to make up for the loss by employing men in road works and opening clothing factories for women, using what fabric was left on the island. As local and English currency became scarce, Occupation Reichsmarks money was issued in the islands to keep the economy going, however it had no value outside of the Island. German military forces used the scrip for payment of goods and services. Locals employed by Germans were also paid in the Occupation Reichsmarks. 

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Income tax had to be raised to its highest ever level of four shillings to the pound (which it has stayed at ever since). Over the years, banks had to bail out the Island’s government with about £6 million, accepting bonds to cover debts.

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From the start of the occupation food became a concern. Outside sources were cut off, except for small quantities being sourced from France. Boats were confiscated, and access to beaches and fishing restricted, necessity led to adaptation. Jersey needed to become self-sufficient. Farming methods changed drastically. Potato fields were given over to corn and sugar beets, and previously disused mills were put back into action. Seawater was boiled for salt and improvisations of burnt acorn and dried carrot were used for coffee and tea. Fuel also quickly became scarce, both for heating and cooking, and local trees were cut down to supplement supply.

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Situations became dire after D-day in June 1944. Allied forces had decided that the Channel Islands would be bypassed due to their heavy fortifications. German supply lines for food and other supplies through France were completely severed, bringing the Channel Islands under siege. With no supplies at all allowed in by the British fleet. Salt, sugar, butter and eventually bread ran out. Islanders and German forces alike were soon at the point of starvation.

 

With German control came other restrictions and confiscations. Vehicles and wireless radios were seized, a curfew enforced as well as a limit placed on gatherings larger than 3 people.

 

Education was also affected. Victoria College and the College for Girls were both closed and commandeered for German use. The school-leaving age on the island was raised to 15 to keep youngsters off the streets and learning German also became mandatory for students. 

 

In December 1944 relief came and the Red Cross ship SS Vega, brought in parcels for each islander containing chocolate, biscuits, tea, butter, sugar, milk powder, tinned meat and fish, raisins, prunes, cheese, salt and pepper. These provisions also included much needed medical and surgical supplies. The Vega would make 5 further trips to the islands to provide lifesaving provisions; the last after Liberation in May 1945.