Jersey Under the Jackboot

by r-c-f-maugham

A first-hand account of the ordeal suffered by the islanders of Jersey during World War II. From the terrifying Luftwaffe raids to the formal surrender of the island to an advanced party of German officers, this is the story of the years of suffering inflicted on the Channel Islanders.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Bev Walkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Channel Islands were the only British owned land occupied by the Germans in World War 2. I have read several novels which told some of what life was like under German Occupation, but this book is not a novel but a true account written within a year after the war ended which really explains the deprivations and difficulties that the remaining residents of Jersey experienced throughout the war. Feeling abandoned in part by the British Government, their plight became so extreme that people were literally dying of malnutrition or inability to survive a winter with no heat. Thievery was rampant - often groups of Russian prisoners being led by their guards. All were so desperate for food and clothing that one could hardly blame them. Electricity and telephone were eventually cut-off. Anything one owned could be requisitioned at very short notice and little if anything would be paid in exchange. Many who were evacuated from the islands would find little remaining when they returned after the war. Although the author lived through the war years on Jersey, one never gets the feeling that he is just telling his own story but rather that he is providing a historic view of life as it was for so many residents of the island.Only a few times did he give specifics that were clearly from his own personal experience.I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history of the second World War.

[Aqsa]

Why did I added this? Because it's what Mary Ann read as written in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

[Nugg Lettini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking account of life in Jersey during the German occupation. The hardships, fear and sacrifices endured by the islanders made me cry especially knowing my mother was only 7yrs of age living on the island when the Germans invaded. Just wish I could talk to her about it now.

[Gordon Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and interesting. Easy reading!

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true first hand account of life under Hitlers regime. Interesting if your grandparents lived there.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new part of WWII history for me - I was unaware that the Germans had occupied British territory and shipped out the local Jews and workers and brought in other nationalities. The horrors of war must be explored in depth to prevent further atrocities and this book is a well-written and interesting account.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had this for a while, but the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society prompted me to get it off the shelf. Turns out, it's a fascinating and interesting first-hard account of the Germany occupation of Jersey, and just how badly the people of the Channel Islands were treated.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this as preperation for holiday in jersey this year . very interesting and can't wait to visit wall tunnels and learn more. if anyone knows of any other books a long same subject please comment

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting