Occupation truths need protecting
THE Channel Islands have been the subject of books and articles on the German Occupation, many written by authors and journalists who have never dug deep enough to discover the reasons for why, for instance, the Guernsey States Controlling Committee responded to requests by the enemy in such a manner as to suggest collaboration. From the very first day of the Germans landing in Guernsey, they issued a warning that if islanders misbehaved the town of St Peter Port would be bombed. The enemy held the gun and a decision was taken to protect the civilian population by obeyance. For instance, when the enemy requested the States to supply 100 cycles for their troops, such were found and delivered.
It was considered the best action to be take, otherwise the Germans would secure same by stopping workers and seizing their machines.
Only recently, a letter appeared in the Guernsey Press suggesting that the British government did nothing to support the islands during the Second World War.
But there was precious little they could do. The islands were heavily fortified and we inhabitants sincerely hoped that an armed liberation by British military units would not be undertaken. We wished to survive to witness a peaceful liberation.
There appears to be a wish to educate the young generation of children about the German Occupation of these islands. We should be sure that those who teach possess an authentic account of what occurred and not one compiled simply to entertain.
I consider that some material which has been written and published in book or article form does a disservice to the inhabitants of the islands. Much of this has been culled from mechanical sources and rewritten without a thought for those who endured five years of occupation and separation from loved ones.
HERBERT WINTERFLOOD,
Address withheld.
