Episoder
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I had the great pleasure of talking to Andy Creber about his Grandfather Werner Rang. A well-known Sark resident post war.
This conversation delves into the remarkable life of Werner Rang, a German medical orderly conscripted during World War II, who served in the Channel Islands.
His story is shared by his grandson, Andy, who recounts Werner's experiences from his idyllic childhood in Germany, through his conscription and medical duties during the occupation, to his post-war life in Sark.
The discussion highlights the complexities of identity, duty, and personal connections formed during and after the war, as well as the importance of preserving family history through photographs and letters.
Takeaways
Werner Rang was a German medical orderly conscripted during WWII. He served in the Channel Islands during the German occupation. Werner was awarded the British Empire Medal for his service as a paramedic. He met his wife, Phyllis, while serving in Sark. Their relationship blossomed through letters during the war. Werner was a POW after the war but continued to provide medical care.He became a respected member of the Sark community post-war. Werner's story reflects the complexities of wartime identity. Family photographs and letters are vital for preserving history. The conversation emphasises the importance of sharing personal stories.You can find photographs and more information here.
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If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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This episode delves into the daily life and struggles of individuals living under German occupation in Guernsey during World War II.
It highlights the challenges of food shortages, the impact of malnutrition on health, and the complexities of justice as seen through a police scandal. Personal anecdotes and historical accounts provide a vivid picture of life during this tumultuous time, showcasing resilience and adaptation amidst adversity.
In this episode, the hosts discuss various historical topics related to Guernsey and Sark during World War II, including the murder of Dr. Goebel, the role of propaganda in the Guernsey press, and insights from the diary of Louis Guillemette. They also remember the Jewish ladies deported from Guernsey and explore the ongoing research into escape attempts from the islands. The conversation wraps up with a look ahead to future projects and events.
Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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Nick spoke to Simon De La Rue of the Guernsey Press about his project 80 days to Liberation which started on 18 February and runs all the way to the 80th anniversary of Liberation on 9 May 2025.
Find out what the project involves, how he is going about it and how you can get involved.
Email Simon on mailto:[email protected] if you have a story for him.
During the show we mentioned some IWM footage you can find here.
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Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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March is a busy month with a lot going on!
Not least the whole of the Guernsey Police Force being arrested. We talk about how this happened.
A bit about the German Police and their methods.
A funny story from Jersey!
Alderney goings on!
There are a couple of articles about the arrest of the Police and what happened, including a film. You can find them here and here.
Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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February 1942 had some fairly depressing and difficult topics for us to discuss not least the eighth Jewish Order. They are important to discuss and particularly as this episode was recorded during the week of the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
We also talk about the impact of the occupation on the mental health of Channel Islanders.
We have a some lighter topics to discuss as well as a few book recommendations!
Our Jersey diarist is still complaining that Guernsey is still getting bombed more than Jersey by the RAF! Not an aspect of inter-island rivalry I would have had down on my bingo card but it gets mentioned a lot.
We mention Churchill's Spaniards: Continuing the Fight in the British Army 1939-46- by Séan Scullion. This is an excellent book that Nick & Keith both recommend.
We also talk about a book that is out in April 2025 written by Jenny O'Brien which is a novel set during the occupation. You can find her social media and books here. Looking forward to reading this when it is out! Jenny is appearing at the Guernsey Literary Festival.
Plus much more we talked about.
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Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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This episode we talk about the attack on German shipping in the harbour. It was a spectacular low-level attack by three Beauforts of 82 Squadron Coastal Command.
Listen to me talk about the raid and the death of a local man who was a crane driver. For some photographs of the raid taking place and the resultant damage take a look at the two articles in the linked document where a range of photographs and links are included. Find that here.
We then look at the tragic case of George Fisher who was shot by a German on New Year's Eve.Entertainment in the theatres is highlighted with the formation of a new group, and we talk about Frank Stroobant who was involved in this as well as island sports. He also wrote an excellent book about the occupation.
We talked about the censor Sonderfuehrer Kurt Goettmann
The press censor Sonderfuehrer Kurt Goettmann appointed on the 27th January 1941 at the age of 32. His previous experience included working in press offices in both Paris and London. The censor role was to ensure that anything published followed the stringent rules set out by the Germans.We also talk more about food as that is an ever present problem.
Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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Nick had a brainwave that it might be fun to explore the use of the local language, Guernésiais, Pronounced 'JEHR-nehz-yay', it is also known as 'Guernsey French' or 'patois'. It is a form of Norman French, which evolved from the Vulgar Latin spoken in the region when it was part of the Roman Empire.
There was only one man for the job of coming in for a chat about this subject that man was Yan Marquis. A local tour guide and heavily involved in promoting the language. Nick has known
We chat about the Guernsey language #guernesiais and its use amongst the Guernsey occupied and evacuees during WWII. Challenges they faced included: incomprehension, suspicion, adaption, isolation & linguistic disconnect. Fascinating chat about how the language was a benefit to those occupied and also a problem for those evacuated, that returned unable to speak it.
We also talk about some stories that people have told Yan over the years about their time during the occupation.
For more information on the language go here.
For details of Yan's tours go here.
You can also listen to Walter Brehaut who we mentioned in the podcast and Yan in conversation here. There is a translation!
If you want to hear more of the language following our podcast you can find it hear along with translations. https://soundcloud.com/user-348870745
Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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It is the December 1941 episode and we look at what Christmas was like for different families and across the Channel Islands.
We talk about food and some of the crazy prices being paid for livestock, difficulties in obtaining some some essentials.
Military activity hots up and the barrels are delivered for the huge Mirus Battery. This unfortunately causes a tragic death of a 6-year-old girl who was crushed.
Pearl Harbour happens, and the Germans take measures against the Americans resident in the Channel Islands.
We also touch on the German Officer who as a boy scout had been awarded a medal by the King of England.
To see some of the photographs we talked about and other supporting information for this episode of the podcast go here.Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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This episode Nick talks to Ceri Thomas who visited Guernsey recently. Ceri gives a visitors perspective on the Occupation.
Thanks to Ceri for taking the time to record this.Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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It is November 1941 and there is a lot going on!
Dr Fritz Todt visits the Channel Islands to assess what fortifications.
French workers arrive and then protest before running amok in Town.
We talk about espionage and the arrest of William 'Bill' Symes who was arrested for smuggling information out of Guernsey about the German occupation and forces. He ended up in a concentration camp, but was remarkably released to an internment camp. You can read more of his story here.Thank you to Simon De La Rue who sent us some information and photographs relating to the tragic death of Ernest Brouard along with some photographs that are here along with other info.
Nick talked about a gentleman in Jersey who was complaining the RAF weren't bombing Jersey enough and that Guernsey was getting all the attention! During a discussion about RAF activity in the area we gave a nod to one of Nick's favourite podcasts Never Mind the Dambusters. Go check it out for all your Bomber Command related content.Two Spitfires crash land in Alderney and we talk about what happened.
The Germans cause a potato crisis with far reaching implications and blame the potato growers!
The other podcast that may be of interest is Ham & Jam a WW2 Airborne Podcast.
Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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In a special episode author Theresa Le Flem popped into the studio to talk about her novel "A Sea of Barbed Wire: Fear, romance and betrayal in Occupied Guernsey" which can be purchased from the Lexicon, the Candie Museum Gift shop, and the Guernsey Information Bureau or Writer’s Block if you live in Guernsey or from Amazon here.
Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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You can find photos and links to things we talked about here.
Its October 1941 and the Germans are worried about a British attempt to retake the Channel Islands.We had a couple of clarifications and corrections that we talked about. One being the American officer who was in fact Canadian.
We reference Operation Attaboy which was planned earlier in the year.
We talk about the Fortress Order and the French workers that arrive. Lists of men of military age drawn up.
We talk neutral citizens and their experience.During the podcast we mentioned the Digimap ariel photo map. You can find it here. The gallery of WW2 reconnaissance photos is here.
A look ahead to Liberation 80 for next year, a couple of forthcoming walks.
Guernsey Walking Tours which is Keith's walking tours can be found here.
We also mentioned another tour guide that I am friends with Jo May whose website is on the link in her name.
Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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In this episode Keith talks to Steve Foote of Blue Ormer Publishing and Chief Executive of the Priaulx Library.
They talk about the following books which you can buy.
Guernsey Occupation Diaries 1940-45 - Reverend Douglas Ord (edited John Nettles)
The Silent War -Frank Falla
Guernsey Under German Rule - Ralph Durand
Life in Occupied Guernsey - Ruth Ozanne Diary
The Battle of Newlands - The Wartime Diaries of Winifred Harvey
The People's Messenger: The Occupation Diary of Louis Guillemette, Guernsey 1940-45
Gentle Violence: Diaries 1943-45 - Hans Max von Aufsess
An interesting note is that von Aufsess notes in his diaries, as Steve mentions, that an American ship with an American Officer on came to Guernsey to try and negotiate in September 1944. The Germans were confused and reported the Canadian Allan Chambers as being American in all their official reports, he also arrived on a British vessel. You can read the full account here.Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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In the September 1941 edition we cover a number of aspects of events that month.
As requested by many people we have expanded the podcast to include regular Jersey content so each month going forward there will a more about Jersey.
We kick off this episode with the incredible escape of Denis Vibert from Jersey in a tiny boat. Moving on to some rumours of a tunnel being constructed from Jersey to France!
The Guernsey Press organised a charity swimming gala. Pictures and report below. See if you can spot any relatives!
The Germans hold a review where German artistes could perform. Wish I had thought of this before we recorded the episode but it is kind of "Germany's Got Talent".
We also talk about RAF activity in the area and shipping attacks.
You can see pictures we talked about here.Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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In this episode Keith talks to Tim Osborne of Tim's Guided Walks about his recommended books about the German occupation.
Tim tells us why these books are so important to him and how they help his tour guiding.
Some are out of print but can be obtained from the internet.
First book is Ernie Gavey's guide to Fortifications which you can find here
Second book is Operation Basalt by Eric Lee. The raid on Sark. You can find this here.
His third choice was Alderney at War which is out of print. You can however find copies here on occasion.
His fourth choice is available on Kindle here Island of Dread.Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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August 1941 - In this episode Keith and Nick look at the German reliance on horses.
Then move on to how the Germans ruined the economy and left the Channel Islands virtually bankrupt. British banks lent money to the Channel Islands governments.
The unusual story of a German who was fluent in Guernésiais (Patois) and the mystery surrounding this. If you want to find out about Guernésiais your can find more info here.
German morale and disorder along with a Diphtheria outbreak.
We wrap up with listeners emails and questions.Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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In this episode Nick chats to Tim Osborne about the Lancaster that landed in Sark, the RAF Typhoon raids on the radars at Fort George, what went at the camps in Alderney and the German railway in Guernsey.
Tim is a tour guide, historian and commercial pilot. You can find some of his videos here.
He tells the incredible story of the Lancaster that landed in a field in Sark.
Other topics we covered were the railway that the Germans built, Typhoon raids on Fort George, Alderney and two Germans that were prosecuted.
We also talked about Zac Osborne, who at 6 years old, is probably the youngest historian in the Channel Islands. You can find Zac's short videos here.
You can see some pictures of the Lancaster field, links to Tim's railway posts, a video and much more here.Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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It is July 1941, and the V sign campaign really takes hold in Guernsey. We talk in depth about what happened and the ramifications for the local population. The German occupiers make themselves look a bit silly much to the amusement of the locals.
We also talk about RAF bombing raids that happened on the island that month and the damage they caused.
We also answer questions from listeners at the end of the show.Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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Keith and I can't believe we have covered a year of the the Occupation this episode! There was a lot going on some of which was a bit disturbing to say the least.
We talk about one of the first concrete and extensive gun batteries in Guernsey. Batterie Strassburg up at Jerbourg is a complex of 64 different positions around the Jerbourg headland.
Housing issues a and much more.
You can see pictures and links here.Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
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Nick was delighted to be invited to talk to the well known historian and author Dr Philip Blood about the German occupation of the Channel Islands during the Second World War. Phil has written a number of books and contributes to the Fallout Sub stack. Please do go and take a look at the Substack site and if you like the content subscribe.
It was an absolute privilege for Nick to be invited to speak to Phil. Phil has a great amount of knowledge about life in the occupied territories of mainland Europe including the Channel Islands and how it was different to the mainland Europe experience.
We had a great chat about resistance and how it was different from mainland Europe, collaboration, food and much more.
Either listen on your podcast app or you can watch the YouTube video here although most people say I have a face for radio!Send us a text
Follow us on Twitter here or Facebook here.
If you want to email in a question send it to [email protected]. Alternatively you can send us a text with the link at the bottom of these notes (only works with iPhones).
You can find out more about the occupation on Nick’s website Island Fortress here.Thanks to Gnet Radio for recording the podcast and thanks to Jim Delbridge for the use of his song ‘5 to 7’ as our theme.
- Se mer
