The arrival of the German forces saw the Islanders way of life altered over night. The Swastika replaced the Union Flag. British newspapers were banned, driving was changed from the left hand side of the road to the right, the population were issued with German identity cards.
After the initial shock of invasion, the Channel islanders had to try and carry on with everyday life, this became more and more difficult with each single day of the long occupation.

To the German soldier a posting to the Channel Isles was too good to be true, the shops were full of luxuries they hadn't seen for many months. Silk stockings, cigarettes, cigars, every luxury  imaginable was available in the shops. The problem was, that once they were purchased they could not be re- stocked, as all imports had finished due to the occupation.

The German forces behaved quite reasonably towards the       Islands residents, a case of the Iron Fist with a Velvet Glove.

The Bailiff of Jersey, Alexander Coutanche had to deal directly with the Army commanders over the Island, a marvellous job he did for the whole of the occupational years.

An unbelievable sight? 
German troops relaxing outside a local hostelry .'You would think they would have bought a drink'
The invading forces regarded the taking of the Channel Isles as a stepping stone to greater things, The  Invasion of the British Isles, and therefore total domination of Europe.

copyright. Richard Mayne collection

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