During the German Occupation of Jersey from 1st July 1940 to 9th May 1945, the civilian population of 41,000 lived under the overwhelming presence of 11,000 German troops on an Island of nine by five miles. Whilst large-scale organised resistance activity was not possible, acts of dissent and disobedience were undertaken by many Islanders at great risk to themselves. Typical offences tried by German courts included the possession of a radio – these were confiscated in June 1942 – spreading the BBC news, distributing anti-Nazi propaganda, insulting a member of the German Forces, sheltering escaped Russian slave workers, stealing German goods, attempting to escape from the Island by boat, and possession of a weapon or camera.
This series of short films will introduce you to a selection of important sites intimately connected with stories of Occupation resistance, and give you a sense of the solidarity and patriotism that existed widely in the Island community under these challenging conditions. Please view them in conjunction with the Resistance Trail walking guide which can be collected from any Jersey Heritage visitor site or downloaded in full here.
Download the Resistance Trail walking guide and map