During the years 1940 to 1945 the Channel
Islands were under German Occupation, during which time
the Guernsey people endured great hardships. For Adolf
Hitler, possession of the Channel Islands was a first
step towards invasion of mainland Britain and he issued
orders for the permanent fortification of the Channel
Islands. Many of the massive concrete towers, gun emplacements
and bunkers remain today as reminders of the five years
of military occupation by the German Armed Forces.
Driving from St. Peter Port through the town you reach
the unique German Occupation Museum which tells the
story of the German occupation of Guernsey. It contains
many excellent displays including a life-size street,
bunker rooms, an armory of weapons and communications
equipment as well as files of local propaganda newspapers
and a brief audio-visual introduction, which effectively
sets the scene.
Drive out to the beautiful West coast of Guernsey and
wind around the coastal road to Vazon Bay and Fort Hommet.
Visit the Gun Casement here at Fort Hommet – completely
restored and with its original gun and equipment in
situ, you will get a good impression of live for the
German soldier on watch in 1944. Vazon Bay is the perfect
place to take a short stroll and enjoy the lovely coastal
scenery before rejoining your coach for the return drive
to St Peter port.
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