Search Guernsey, German Occupation Orders

The German occupation of Guernsey began on 30 June 1940. German troops imposed strict military rule, enforcing curfews, rationing, and travel restrictions. Civil liberties were curtailed, and wireless receivers were confiscated to control information. Food shortages became severe, especially in the later years, with residents relying on limited Red Cross aid.

The island was heavily fortified as part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, with forced labourers constructing bunkers and tunnels. Jewish residents faced persecution, with some deported to concentration camps. While open resistance was rare, acts of defiance were met with harsh punishment.

Guernsey was liberated by British forces on 9 May 1945, a day after Germany’s surrender. The anniversary, known as Liberation Day, is still celebrated as a symbol of resilience and freedom.

This volume contains over 800 pages of orders issued by the German military command in Guernsey during the occupation. Most orders are in English, but later years include German-language notices published in the Regulations Bulletin from occupied France. The book includes German military notices, official letters from HM Greffe and the Bailiff’s Chambers, and newspaper clippings from The Star.

Examples of orders and regulations:

Early Occupation (July 1940)

• All weapons surrendered by 1 July.
• Clocks advanced by one hour to align with German time (2–3 July).
• Worship permitted but with restrictions on propaganda.
• Public entertainment (cinemas, concerts) banned.
• British National Anthem prohibited without written permission.
• Harbor restrictions: No vessel could leave without permission.
• Private car use forbidden.

**Further Restrictions (1940–1942) **

• Blackout enforcement (11 July 1940, 19 Oct 1942) – penalties for non-compliance.
• Coastal movement restrictions (17 July 1940) – no access within 60 yards of the high-water mark along the south coast.
• Pigeon census and control (23 July 1940) – carrier pigeons regulated and slaughter required permits.
• Photography ban (22 Oct 1940) – small-format film photography prohibited.
• Harbour fishing restrictions – permits required, fishing limited to designated areas.
• Death penalty for aiding escaped prisoners (10 Oct 1940).

**Confiscation of Jewish Property **

• 27 January 1943 – Jewish assets transferred to the German Reich; the order was registered but not publicly announced.

**Penalties and Fines **

Infractions such as illegal photography, anti-German demonstrations, and training in radiotelegraphy carried fines and imprisonment.

In partnership with the Bailiwick of Guernsey Digitisation Partnership (familyhistory.gg), this landmark digitisation project brings millions of searchable records online, only at Findmypast.