Hello again. 

Today is the 70th Anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day)  and that is when the Germans on the Channel Islands decided to give up to the Allies.

I have reached this point in  my family's history and it is then that both sets of family were freed, and eventually return home to Jersey.

In Wurzach, the months between Dec 1944 and Liberation on 28 April 1945 were some of the most depressing of their time there.  Major Ray had taken over as Camp Deputy after the removal of the divisive Captain Hilton; and he had to lead everyone through the winter months.  After the destruction of Frankfurt and the internee post awaiting delivery, there was no mail delivery for months.  The distribution of Red Cross Parcels was cut from once a week to once a fortnight.  The school rooms were surrendered in early 1945 to house 72 Jewish internees from Bergen/Belsen.   The Rev. Cecil Atyeo from Jersey died in camp and there was a request to Biberach camp for a priest to move across.  They all refused, the reason given was that there was no single room for him, almost impossible in an overcrowded camp like Wurzach.   In Jan 1945 a large group of British and Dutch Jews arrived to be interned, this left the Schloss even more overcrowded and tensions apparently began to mount.   

Meanwhile the Allies were pushing into Germany and the news of the front is recorded in Doughty's diary.

'18 April De Gaulle's troops are heading this way.

23 April Thousands (of German refugees) have passed ---- in the last 48 hours, probably without any food.

24 April Rumour has it that the Americans or French are only 8 miles away.

SATURDAY 28 APRIL - LIBERATION HAS COME.
At 12 noon a tank was seen coming over the top of the hill----the tank had stopped---the least sign of opposition would have been the end ----- because the French told us afterwards all their guns were trained on this building thinking it to be a German headquarters.  -- we in the camp owe our lives to the German Volkstorm, the old men of the village who ran towards the tanks with white flags.'

The French Morroccan troops did not believe the internees were British until they made little Union Jacks for their lapels and pointed them out.  The French took away the Schloss guards, who were actually village police, and were going to shoot them until the internees told them that they were not concentration camp guards.  The guards saved the internees and then the internees saved the guards.

On May 8 1945 the war in Europe ceased and a Union Jack was finally hoisted over the camp.  The picture below is of that moment and comes from the collection of R.H.Mayne my second cousin as published in Roger Harris' book.

Hoisting the Union Jack in the Camp Courtyard, from Islanders Deported by Roger Harris.

On May 29 the news of the date of the repatriation was announced, and on June 2 1945 the first 300 islanders were taken to Mengin and then flown by Dakota to England.  Within a week the rest followed. 

 

Repatriation,  Internees --waiting to be flown to England, another photo from the R.H.Mayne collection.

 

There were several 'wits' who made up poems on departure and this is an anonymous one collected by Roger Harris.

 

Goodbye to the Schloss

We've got another boss

Since the Fuehrer's fallen rather low!

Now we've got the keys

Goodbye to the fleas, Thanks for  the stay

But we must go!

 

Meanwhile back on Jersey --- 

 

No fuel was issued on the ration at all in  February, no heating, cooking or lighting again.  The islands were running out of flour, due to a mistake by the British Red Cross, who stated  that the Vega was only to take flour on it's third trip.    The Bailiff of the island made the following announcement on Feb 6 1945,

 

'--the civilian bread ration must be reduced by half--  The stocks of flour and of grain under our own control would  not maintain the civil bread ration on the existing scale beyond the 10th February. The proposed cut should make possible a continuation of the bread ration for a week after February 10th. If help does not reach us by then, --- the bread ration must cease entirely.   A.M.Coutanche, Bailiff.' 

 

The Vega arrives back on February 13th with her second supply of Red Cross parcels, which were given out on February 20th. 

 

The new commander of the Channel Islands was Vice-Admiral Huffmeyer  who said 'I have only one aim: to hold out until final victory.'

 

A fire broke out in March in a hotel, next to the ammunition dump, yep, you've guessed it, the ammo dump went up too.

 

Allied planes were overhead everyday as the allied armies battled through Europe to Germany.  In early April German troops are ordered to shoot without warning at thieves targeting growing food or the famous Jersey glasshouses. 

 

May.  'By the beginning of May 1945 the German army had been completely defeated.'  June Money.  The news of Hitler's death comes overnight and 'It is learned that ---- the possibility of the Germans holding out -- is becoming less likely'  L.P.Sinel.   Union Jacks are beginning to be seen around the island as rumours went all round the civilians.  The German soldiers were depressed, scruffy and underfed; they began telling the islanders that they were 'Poles, Czechs, Austrians,- anything but German'  L.P.Sinel.   Huffmeer tried to get an armistice but had to surrender finally on board HMS Bulldog moored in Guernsey. 

 

 

Crowds gathering to meet the liberators.   June Money Aspects of War, The German Occupation of the Channel Islands.

 

 

May 8 1945.  The day was of great expectation and then nothing happened.  Then the children were sent home from school and loudspeakers were erected.  The E.P. bulletin announced that Winston Churchill was to speak at 3.00pm and at 3 a great cheer arose as he started to speak.  When he referred to 'our dear Channel Islands' being freed another huge cheer went up.  Union jacks and flags were hoisted at the end of it and the prisoners held by the Germans were slowly being freed too.  The British Navy was approaching Jersey and on May 9, HMS Beagle hove into view.

Two British naval officers, Lieut. R Milne and Surgeon-Lieut. Macdonald landed and were mobbed by the islanders.  The first thing they did was hang a Union Jack out of the Harbour Office window to huge cheers.  More forces arrived, many of them Jerseymen, the first being Captain High Le Broque, who had left in 1940 with his unit.

 

The Germans gave up their arms willingly enough and were put to work cleaning up. By May 13 the bus services were restored and so was the telephone service.  Sterling currency was restored and the German rule of the road Drive on the Right was changed back to driving on the left.  All through May celebrations went on and memorials for the dead were held, prisoners freed and sent home and on June  7 1945 their Royal Highness' King George and Queen Elizabeth visited the island. 

 

Some of the Internees did not arrive back until September 1945 but they did get home.  I have not been able to find out when my family reached home but they did; and here they are.

 

 

From Left to Right  Fredrick Bernard (Bern) my grandfather,  Jean? wife of Richard Mayne, the boy who tried to get the German chocolate,  Elizabeth (Betty from the letters) Bern's wife and my grandmother,   Aunty Dolly, from the letters,  the younger man is either Robert Junior (Bobbie from the letters) or Richard, and the man on the right is Bob (Bob from the letters) my grandfathers younger brother. 

 

Writing this blog has been quite emotional for me and I have cried a few tears towards the end.  I have found out quite a lot about the hardships faced by my family and I am glad that they all came home.

 

 

Thanks

 

My thanks go to

Mrs Bernice Smart, nee Mayne, my mother,who I still miss; who gave my sister and I the courage to just go for it (and a fund of war stories.)

Mrs Betty Fry, nee Mayne, my mother's sister.

Mr Richard Mayne,  who was wise enough to gather much information and give it to The St   

  Peters Bunker War Museum.

 

 

Bibliography

 

Richard Mayne. Jersey Occupied. Jarrold and Sons.  1970.  ISBN 853062137.

Roger. E Harris.  Islanders Deported.  Part 1.   Channel Islands Publishing Society.  1980.  ISBN

  0902633635.

Roger. E. Harris.  Islanders Deported. Part 2.  Channel Islands Publishing Society. 1983.  ISBN

  0946806039.

L.P.Sinel.  The German Occupation of Jersey.  Corgi Books.  1945.  ISBN 552080985.

Dr. John Lewis.  A Doctor's Occupation.  Starlight Publishing.  1982.  ISBN 09525665919.

R.C.F.Maugham.  Jersey Under the Jackboot.  W.H.Allen & Co.Ltd.  1946.  ISBN 0450047148.

June Money.  Aspects of War.  The German Occupation of the Channel Islands.   J.P. Money.  1985. 

Roy Thornton Collection.    Photo included in 'TS Dinard, Past and Present' by Ray Goodfellow at

  www.doverferryphotoforum.com .

The Channel Islands Monthy Review, Journal of Channel Islands Refugees in Great Britain.  Printed by Swain & Co, Ltd, 'Advertiser' Office, Stockport.

 

 

References

 

Preston Doughty, diaries kept secretly at Wurzach Internment camp, quoted by Roger.E.Harris.  Islanders Deported Part 1. 

Red Cross Organisation at www.redcross.org.uk  for the contents of Red Cross Parcels and the leaflets on posting to Prisoners of War. 

 



Welcome.  Today I am moving into less certain waters as I have only one letter and a telegram reply for 1944.  I have previously noted the bombing of Frankfurt where the post was destroyed, so I will be looking at first hand testimony as far as possible.

                                                                 Internee Letter 16.1.1943
The text reads

Dear Betty; thank you very much for your most welcome letters, which we receive pretty regularly.  So your Bernice is still a pickle, of course they are at that age, when girls start to take notice.  They have taken to make up, personally, I don't blame them, a little bit makes such a difference doesn't it?  We ought to know? Betty I know I am a nuisance , but if it is ever possible could you or Elsie possibly get me a summer frock, light one preferred, I'm still small, not put on an middle-aged spread yet, have you? with a collar preferred.  Bob received 200 fags yesterday, still smokes pretty heavily, surprised to hear Bern has given up smoking, couldn't imagine my old man doing that.  Heard from Mum and Em about fortnight back, they are quite alright and still as bright as ever.  Mum is really wonderful, how she can see the bright side of everything, wish I could sometimes, it seems endless.  Well Betty must close now thanking you and wishing you all the very best, hoping to see you all again, soon, gee what a day? Heaps of love to you, Bob and Betty and Bernice,   Love Doll and Bob

Dolly expects to be there into the summer and is asking for a frock well in advance as it sometimes took months for things to get there.

I know I have shown you this one before, but it was replied to on 16.10.1943  and seems to have gotten back to England on 21 March 1944. 

                                             Channel Islands Monthly Review February 1944

In a previous blog I quoted from Islanders Deported by Roger Harris on the funeral of Mr Bull.  There was a formal announcement of his death in the Monthly Review.  Although not part of my family, I put it here as a tribute to all of the internees in every camp.

The text reads

                                                           Died in Germany
We regret to announce the death of Mr Stephen Lewis Bull, late of Bellozanne Road, Jersey, who with his wife and little girl was deported to Germany in Sept,1942. Mr Bull, who was aged 40, died on Nov.29,1943, after a fortnight's illness.  The funeral took place in deep snow.  Mrs Bull says the doctors and nurses did everything that was possible and that friends in the camp at Wurzach are very kind.  Mr Bull had been on the staff of Le Riche's Stores.  He and Mrs Bull were well known by their work in connection with Belmont Hall.  Since deportation Mr Bull had taught children in the camp school and also conducted services on Sundays.

The next bit will come as no surprise to you all I am sure.   D-Day, 6th June 1944 was launched, and it was decided by the Allies that the Channel Islands would be by-passed and liberated after the rest of Europe. The Germans could not launch a counter offensive from there, and they were cut off from mainland Europe by the success of the Landings.   The Germans were forced to sit out the rest of the war in Hitler's Impregnable Island Fortress. 


The German Occupation of Jersey b L.P.Sinel

'June 6. INVASION. From the early hours we guessed something unusual was happening, owing to the large number of planes passing over. --- The Germans immediately took over the telephone service, but in spite of this, news spread, smiling faces indicated that the day had arrived for which we had waited so long.  ---  German secret police are now in uniform and at the moment there are  about 7,000 troops in the Island.  --  German nurses --were embarked (for France).  The majority of the troops have been spread around the coasts.'

Both the Channel Island people and the Germans were cut off from any kind of aid and relief.  German military personnel who escaped from mainland Europe landed on the Islands, swelling the total population, to live on the depleted resources left by the German exports.  There were very few Jersey or Guernsey cattle left, either for meat or milk, most had gone to Germany over the previous 4 years.  The famous tomato and potato crops were reduced by blight and an exceptionally wet winter.  The thousands of slave labourers imported by the Organisation Todt were starving, the Germans were getting thinner and sicker, and the Islanders were starving and feeling cut adrift by the British Government.  'By the end of August, it was perfectly evident that, unless relief came speedily, the coming Winter would bring with it a degree of suffering that few could have foreseen or anticipated.' Jersey under the Jackboot.  R.C.F. Maugham

Rations had been in force for 5 years and the States Assembly, (the civilian ruling body) decided not to cut the rations further but to maintain the already starvation levels to the civilian population and let the chips fall where they may

                                          List of Rations over the 5 year period of the occupation.
                                            from The German Occupation of Jersey by L.P.Sinel

Everyone was getting closer to starvation, and the German Troops and the slave workers(when they could escape from the camps) were stealing any food they could.  Seed potatoes were dug up after planting to be eaten, pets were stolen and killed for food (not that there were many left) and hedgerows were picked clean of edible weeds.  At one point 5lbs of potatoes were given on the ration, but 1/2 of them were rotten, so another 5lb had to be given out.

Nov 22 1944  A rumour went round that negotiations for supplies had succeeded and that help for the civilians was on the way.  The States Assembly consider a plan to sell seawater to the population as supplies of salt had run out.

December 1944
November's fuel ration still not received by many, so no heat, light or cooking. The paraffin ration is now 1/2 pint per month, so again no heat, light or cooking.  The Germans demand 2,000 head of live poultry be collected in to feed the troops Christmas dinner.  Suicide by gassing disappeared from the islands as there was no gas left and no coal to produce it from.


Finally in Dec 1944, It was announced that the Red Cross ship SS Vega, sent from Portugal, Britain's oldest ally, would arrive with Red Cross Parcels for the Islands, stopping at Guernsey first and then Jersey. The Germans immediately began confiscating any food they could, supposing that the civilians were being fed from outside. 3,000 Chickens were finally  taken away, the oats for the farm horses, and the seed potatoes in store for spring planting. 

                                                              Red Cross SS Vega

The Vega finally arrived on Dec 31 1944 and left on Jan 4 1945.  The Swiss Red Cross workers were kept away from the locals, who presumed it was to keep them from reporting the German atrocities.  The ship was unloaded by Germans and cargo went straight into a set apart warehouse under German
control. 

The Red Cross Parcels were donated by the Canadian, New Zealand and British Red Cross.  There were medical supplies, (there had been no anaesthetics for operations for months), a supply of salt, and tobacco.  Lady Campbell, the wife of the Ambassador to Portugal had supplied 'a number of layettes' for the babies.  Clothing was irreplaceable so there were no clothes for new babies on the island, they had all worn out with repeated use.  A fund for the Red Cross was immediately started by the Islanders, which eventually reached £130,000.  The parcels were given out on Jan 4th, 5th, and 6th 1945. 

              Contents of the average WW2 Red Cross Parcel, reproduced from the website of the
                                                                  British Red Cross.



There is a family story that a ration of tea was included in the parcels, and one family reverently made their pot of tea in their trusty teapot, which had not been used since the tea ration ended in Dec 1941.  They all sat down at the table and someone picked up the teapot by its handle, which promptly fell off.  So no tea was had in  that house. 

That's all so far,  next time I will tell you about the same period in Wurzach and finally I hope to end with the Liberation, in Wurzach in April 1945, and Jersey in May 1945.


'

Welcome back. We have moved into 1943 now

Just starting with the Red Cross Telegram that inspired the title of the Blog.

                                                                         Side 1

Granny writes 'concerned no news'.

                                                                       Side 2

Florence writes ' Never fear at no news.'  My mother would say 'Never fear no news' and the corruption seemed the ideal title.  

                                                                    Internee Letter 20.5.43

The text reads

Dear Bern and Bett, So pleased to receive your welcome letter yesterday, we also had one from Elsie, glad to hear you are all in the pink, as we all are at present, relieved to hear also that you are getting our replies. We have not had an news from home for a few weeks now, held up for censoring I suppose. somewhere, as we received them pretty regularly before. The weather here is beautiful, we have football about 3 times a week, Bob plays goalie for his room, they're running a league between the different rooms, passes monotony away, they also run tennis table tournaments, Bob has won 2 of them, not bad for an old man is it?  The kiddies are growing fine now, before we left Jersey had won scholarships for secondary schools, seemed a shame to leave it.  They have lessons here mornings, they enjoy them too, Bobby's going to be 14 now, baby 5 in June.  Thank goodness they were not younger.  Of course your family are grown up now, don't seem possible does it.  Well close now, hoping we will hear from you again soon, we pass your news on to mum, as we write about every week home.  Give our love to Elsie and family, all the best, Doll, Bob kids.

My mum and Aunty Betty were 15 and 16 at this time.  This letter is one of only 2 that are written in ink, all the rest are in pencil.   Having only 24 hours notice to leave, I don't know if I would have concerned myself about a fountain pen.  They would eventually have run out of ink. 

                                                                  Internee Letter 7.6.43


The text reads

Dear Bern and Bett, Many thanks for your letter, which I got today.  So glad you are all keeping well as it finds us.  Glad to hear that you have been on leave.  Also to see Elsie.  Yes I get letters from her Also I have had news from several old friends who are now in England.  These cheered us up a bit As it made us realise we are in somebody's thoughts I have not had news from home for 7 weeks. But I don't worry as I suppose postal arrangements are not easy.  Last news I had everyone was fine.  You mention our requirements.  Dolly has written Bett about them.  I know you will try to oblige.  No Bern I have not up-to-date received any fags that you mention Please make enquiries as I don't wish to waste your hard-earned money.  Well Bern, space is drawing short so I must draw to a close.  Hoping to hear from soon.  Also to hear from home.  Don't worry.  It is just postal trouble.  Love to you all.  Bob. Doll. Kids.

Apparently my Grandad regularly sent fags out to his brother.

                                                    Internee letter 20.4.43  Reverse

Notice the 'Opened by Examiner 9675'  and Crown symbol, showing that is was read by the British authorities.  Probably one of a sample series, taken at random for security checking on post from Germany.

                                                                             Side 1
                                                                          

 
                                                                        Side 2

See the scraped out section, neatly excised by the German censor.   The reverse has a little note pinned to it. It reads

'PC11 British Postal Censorship  The British Examiner is not responsible for the mutilation of this
 message  7491 RRR' 
So we have examples of the censor from both sides.

                                                              Internee Card 7.7.43

It is now a month since Bob's last letter and still no fags.

                                                              Internee letter 15.7.43

The text reads

Dear Bern and Betty, Many thanks for your letter. Glad to know you are all o.k.as it leaves us at present. I have had news from home.  They are all o.k.  We sometimes get the E.P here so are able to keep up with the local news.  Things seem to be very quiet there, also very tight but I suppose we cannot hope for much more.  Emily says she often walks up to Bill's place, I suppose that is to keep her feet down.  We have received Myra's next-of-kin parcel.  It was a beautiful parcel.  We are now hoping for ours as the shoe leather is our great problem.  I hope you are not still sending me fags, I have not yet got one from you, so I am afraid it is waste of money.  Please give our very best love to Elsie and John and the same for you and Bett. Well cheerio for now, Bob, Doll and Kids.

                                                                     Side 1

Grandad writes 'Guard Mum's health.  Stay at Billy's advised.'   If Florence was not well, it would make sense to go to a relative? so as to pool heating and lighting rations.  Emily replies 'Mum all well.' 

                                                                 Internee Letter 3.8.43

The text reads

Dear Bern and Bett Many thanks for your most welcome letters Glad to hear you are all O.K. as it leaves us at present. Last news from home all well.  Raymond is improving a lot They often have him out.  Young Dick is doing well.  He has a weekend job so he is very bushed.  Well Bern since I last wrote to you I have received 700 fags from you, 200 then 500.  I need not tell you how grateful I am to you Such things as these make life under these conditions much brighter. So I again thank you very much.  We have so far received 3 next-of-kin parcels for the kids from the C.I Society containing very useful clothes and shoes.  They are doing some good work.  We have good reason to bless for it.  I had news from Elsie same da as I got yours  Glad to hear John is O.K. again.  It must have worried her.  Tell Bett we hope her singing went off alright.  Well Bern this is all for now, so cheerio for now Love to you all. Bob. Doll and Kids.

At last the fags seem to have arrived.  Bob seems to have smoked a lot, Dolly mentions worrying that he is smoking too much.

                                                                  Internee Letter 18.8.43

The text reads

Dear Bett and Bern, Receive your most welcome letters pretty regularly now, Had one last week, one form Elsie same day as well, Betty we want to thank you and Bern and Elsie, for all you are doing for us all, hope one day we shall be able to repay you, I never gave you my size for shoe, as honestly Betty I can carry on, I wouldn't mind if it were ever possible for you to get me one pair 4 1/2 size sandals, or something light.  Have heavy ones but never worry about me, it was my kids and Bob that needed them so badly.  The C.I Society has sent us some next-of-kin parcels, the clothing being very welcome.  We had permission to visit a travelling circus staying in the village Sunday.  The kiddies were thrilled quite a good show.  Betty in our next letter try and include a snap or photo of yourself and Bern and kiddies, quite a lot arriving in letters from England now we never brought any with us and would love to have some.   Bob has received 3 lots of fags up to date, making 900 in all, for which you have his grateful thanks.  Well Betty must close for now, wishing you, Bern and children all the best, all at home O.K.  Had letter written by mum herself last week, sends her very best to you and Bern, Love from all Doll-Bob-and Children.

Here again, Doll's request for help is addressed to Bett, woman to woman again. 


                                                         Diary Notes

                          from 'The German Occupation of Jersey' by L.P.Sinel

Jan 28 1943 'Man persons who were recently exempted by the Germans after examination have attended again today for further medical examination; almost everyone got off.'

Feb 6 1943 'Sixty-three persons are warned to hold themselves ready to be deported to German on Tuesday next(the 9th); the majority of these are 'undesirables' from the German point of view.

May 15 1943 'Allied planes fly around the south and west coasts of the Island and a German patrol boat is sunk off St Brelade's, another being slightly damaged.

May 19 1943 'Attempted burglary at the States Treasury.'

June 6 1943 'The funeral of -- two R.A.F engineers took place,---  hundreds of people gathered, --at the cemetery German Air Force personnel acted as bearers and there was also a firing party.  -- in the afternoon hundreds filed past the grave.'

July 8 1943 'The Gestapo seizes a lot of black-market goods which were hidden on one of the incoming barges.'

July 15 1943 'Ammunition is being unload from a German 'hospital Ship' which recently arrived.'

Aug 18 1943 'British planes over the Island practically all day.'


                                                              Wurzach Notes

                                         from Islanders Deported by Roger Harris     

April-May 1943 '--air-raid precaution duties were made compulsory for all men below the age of 60 years.  --- On another occasion they (the internees) stopped helping to build a swimming pool when the found out that although they would have the use of it, the pool would belong to the Hitler Youth.

1943  One unpleasant Hitler Youth Unteroffizier from the (Hitler Youth) training camp, -- ordered the Hitler Youth to parade (during an air-raid by the Americans) about the camp, hoping to draw the bombers down to the internees in the Schloss.

More soon.

Hello again.  Moving through the latter part of 1943 today.

                                                                  Internee Letter 12.9.43

The text reads

Dear Bern and Bett, Just a line hoping to find you all O.K. as it leaves us at present.  Well Bern I am getting your fags alright now for which I thank you very much.  Now don't think me ungrateful but there is now no need for you to send us any clothing or footwear parcels.  As the Red X have sent all of us more than we need.  Please let Elsie know.  If at any time we need anything I will ask for it. and I know you will do your best.  News from home is that everybody is O.K. They send their love to you and Elsie and hope to see you all very soon.  By the way they write the are bearing up very well.  Ma wrote a cheerful letter a few days ago It was quite a treat to see her own handwriting  Well Bern I think things are drawing to a close so we will soon be having that Mary Ann?  Cheerio for now love to you all.  Bob. Doll and kids.

I have no idea what Mary Ann means in the penultimate line, could be a drink of some sort.  Cockney rhyming slang Mary Ann is hand, or a man who helps with the housework.  God only knows, and she's probably the only one who cares. 

 

Internee Cards 3.10. and 18.10.43

 



 

There is still a Metropole Hotel on Jersey, but it is quite modern looking.  The news about Billie and Didie must have come from Florence.  Grandad's telegram told Emily take their mum and stay at Billie's earlier in the year.  Perhaps Billie is the mysterious William about whom I know nothing.

 

 



 





                                                              Internee Letter 11.10.43

The text reads

Dear Betty, Received your very welcome letter a couple of days ago.  Are you having trouble with your teeth or was it just one.  Mournful business isn't it.  Bob has had his bottom teeth out since he has been here and also has had a new set in. they are very nice too, Bobby has not been too well for about a week, he's had flu, in hospital but is alright again, soon to be out.  Bernice has started knitting she finds it a troublesome business, she drops more than she knits yet, I'm afraid so don't order a jumper, have you heard from Elsie lately we hear pretty regularly from her, ever 2-3 weeks, and as you say we love receiving letters, but writing is a different matter, especially in our case, we do not get anything but camp chat, to talk about, which would not interest anybody.  Well Betty how long is this business going to carry on, seems endless, sometime, here's hoping we'll see one another again soon, Best of luck, don't forget to write regularly, we live for news of everyone, Love Doll, Bob and Kids.

After the Jerseyman. Dr Oliver was transferred to Laufen camp in Jan 43, he was replaced by an American, Dr Roscoe,  and 'the International Red Cross Committee -- described Dr Roscoe as a troublemaker and --- he was transferred to another camp and later repatriated to America in 1944.'   The dentist was British, a man called Dr Tucker, who 'executed marvellous work with the limited resources available to him.'  He would use the facilities of the local German dentist as the Wurzach laboratory was unheated and lacked equipment.  Islanders Deported Roger Harris.

                                                               Internee Card 21.11.43

It seems they received 6 parcels in very short order and all in good condition.

                                                          Internee Letter 20.12.43

The text reads

Dear Bern Betty Just a line hoping you are all well as we are, heard from Mum and Em, also Didie last week, and send their best wishes and love to you all.  Lets us hope by this time next year, we will be able to be together for Xmas and New Year like the good old times. I and Bernice have just come out of the hospital today after a months stay. Glad to be back I can tell you, nothing serious.  Will you have Bern home for Christmas, don't forget to give him our very best wishes for Xmas and New Year.  Have not heard from you and Elsie for about 3 weeks, but of course, owing to season I suppose postal arrangements are a bit crowded.  The are arranging a children's party and carnival dance for them, to give the kiddies in camp a good time, Well Betty must close now, wishing you and Betty and Bernice all the very best and sincerely hope we will all meet together again in New Year, Best of love from Doll,  Bob and Kids.

Dolly says that she and Bernice have just come out of hospital.  The most likely event for 2 people of the same family to be in hospital together was a large out break of scarlet fever, at its peak in Dec 43.  Such a mundane statement 'nothing serious', perhaps she was not allowed to say anything as an epidemic would not be to the credit of the Germans, and that kind of specific  comment would be censored. However there were plenty of drugs available and emergency cases were quickly sent to German hospitals. 


                              Diary Notes from The German Occupation of Jersey
                                                       by L.P.Sinel

Sept 12 1943 More thunder, and a hailstorm causes some damage.  Big German sports meeting at F.B. Fields.     

Oct  5 1943 --- A robbery was effected at a German depot; over 2 1/2 tons of sugar were taken away in a motor lorry.

Oct 11 1943 Extras (rations) issued of 100 saccharins and 4oz of margarine for everybody and five boxes of matches per household.

Oct 18 1943  Details of paraffin rationing.

Nov 21 1943  -- it is prohibited, after the 29th inst, to sell by auction, carpets, linoleum, rugs and other floor coverings, whatever their value.

Dec 20 1943  A young lady, alleged to have thrown horse manure at a column of troops and sentenced recently to three months imprisonment, appealed against the sentence at a court martial yesterday, with the result that she had it doubled. 


                                     Wurzach notes from Islander Deported by Roger Harris


Oct 1943  The drainage was renewed in the camp and there was then said to be enough latrines with water flushes on each floor of the building. 

Oct 31 1943  The weather today --- is lovely, the sun being very warm for the time of year.

Nov 6  1943  Frankfurt was badly-damaged in a bombing raid and much of the internee mail was destroyed.

Dec 1 1943 I went to Mr Bull's funeral with Mr Finch our room leader, and so paid our last respects to a man everybody liked.


There is now a monument of Jersey granite in Wurzach  honouring the 12 people who died in the internment camp.

More soon.

Welcome back to my blog.  Today I am starting with the Notice of the deportation of British subjects from the Channel Islands to Germany, published on 15 Sept. 1942.  It read

                                                                  Notice

By order of higher authorities, the following British subjects will be evacuated and transferred to Germany.

a. Persons who have their permanent residence not on the Channel Islands, for instance, those who have been caught her by the outbreak of war;
b. All those men not born on the Channel Islands and 16 to 70 years of age who belong to the English people, together with their families.

Detailed instructions will be given by the Feldkommandantur 515.

Der Feldkommandant: KNACKFUSS, Oberst.

Quoted from The German Occupation of Jersey by L.P. Sinel.

This was in response to Briain expelling German spies from Iran in 1941, but due to confusion amongst the various German military groups in Sept. 1941, the original order was never carried out.  It was then re-ordered in Sep.t 1942.

The first group to leave went on Sept.16 1942.  The deportees made their way to the Weighbridge, where they were examined by 3 local doctors and 1 German doctor.  A few exemptions on the grounds of ill health were made, but most of them made ready to leave.  They were given refreshments of hot milk and bread and jam, and then supplied with a 1 lb loaf, a jar of paste, a tin of milk, a packet of cigarettes and a slab of chocolate.  There is a family legend that Richard, heard about the chocolate and went down and collected a bar.  He was then ordered onto the small boat with the rest of the deportees and had to be rescued from deportation then.

  'one boy who did manage to get himself some chocolate nearly found himself being shipped off to German until he could convince the Germans that he was not one of the deportees'  Roger E Harris Islanders Deported.

 Richard was to go on the next transport in October, with his family, my Grandad's brother Bob, wife Dolly and 4 children. 

The deportees left for the 2 small boats singing patriotic songs, such as 'There'll  always be an England', the Germans were amazed at the show of bravado made by both the Internees and the remaining population.  As late as 21.00 hours, it was reported that you could still hear them singing as the boats left the harbour.

                                               Internee Letter 14.5.1942 from Doll, Bob and kids.

The text reads

7/5/43 Dear Bern and Betty, Received your welcome letter this week, glad to hear you are all ok.  Have not received any cig's from you yet, but packages arrive from there now, almost daily.  Went out on the walk today, the country around is really lovely, now covered with almost ever colour wild flower, and so much bigger than ours.  We also have football matches 3 times a week which breaks the monotony, Bob plays goalie for his room, which makes it more exciting for me and the kids, thinking about him transfer for the Arsenal, when we get back. Glad to hear Elsie John and children are all OK give them our very best, Have you received any letters from us yet, Had a couple of letters from Bus Friends of Bob's from England this week, was a pleasant surprise, Mum, Emily and all at home quite well, Bill and Dedie and little Mary are O.K. had a letter from them recently, still at same place, of course it is lovely in summer, Well cheerio, write again soon, we look forward so, to your letters, give girls our very best love and Elsie and John, when you write, Best of love from , Doll, Bob and kids.

                                                            Schloss Worzach now.

On arrival the castle was filthy and infested with rats.  The men set to and cleaned down the walls with broken bricks and generally cleaned up.  It was designated a family camp, but there were not enough rooms for families, so there were smaller families crowded together in large barrack rooms of 30 0or 40 people.  Only families with 4 or more children had a room of their own.  Doll talks of 'Bob playing goalie for his room', so here was one family of 6 who did not have a room of their own. 

Dolly writes of the walks, these were organised to provide exercise and soon reached numbers of 125 people going out 5 times a week.  The walks were of different lengths and destinations, some were very boring, the Biberach road, walk 4 miles up a straight road. turn round and come back; whilst others were made more interesting by the camp guards, who showed off their beautiful part of the country.  Eventually a park attached to the grounds was annexed and used by the internees, especially the very young and the old or sick, who could not walk too far.

There was very little poor quality food on arrival and internees survived on watery red cabbage soup and a loaf of rye bread shared between 5 people.  Some people wrote back to the Channel Islands complaining that they were being starved. 

In January 43, it was found out that the Bread Committee; made up of Channel Islanders like themselves and who had control of the bread rationing within the camp, had been stealing the bread ration for themselves.  Bread rations were increased at the weekends; the Bread Committee had reduced the weekend ration and kept it for themselves.  The Bread Committee were forced to resign and luckily for them, the first issue of Red Cross food parcels was issued which took the edge off the camp's anger. 

The German issue of food per day was as follows

46 gms margarine
0.5 gms tea
25 gms sugar
45 gms dries veg
400 gms potatoes
350 gns bread
80 gms tinned fish.

The internees would trade some of their food parcel goods with the Germans, and get some fresh food now and again.  The Red Cross parcels stopped reaching Wurzach in late 1944, and emergency rations were sent from Lubeck, but these never arrived.  It seems that it was either feast on famine on the food front. 

In my previous blog I put on a card from Bobbie, the eldest son, who said 'We have school here but the lessons are too easy'.  There were 130 children but  no qualified teachers for them, but there were 6 untrained volunteers. The Red Cross tried to get teachers transferred from other camps but to no avail.

                                                             Internee Card 14.5.43

The text reads

Dear Betty, just another request letter, do you think you could get me any lipstick, and powder, feel so horrid with nothing, also scurf comb and comb if possible, I suppose you must think me a nuisance, Well its no use asking Jersey for it, they never had anything when we came away, Have you any news of Jim, we often wonder what happened to him, Weather over here wonderful, almost too hot to be comfortable, this is when we miss the sea.  Country around here really lovely, wild flowers twice the size of ours; give our best love to Elsie and family, hope all O.K. Don't forget to write soon, Doll, Bob and family.

Internee Letter 14.5.43

 

The text reads

Dear Betty and Bernard, Have received very welcome letter, as we are all, All at home, are O.K. according to last letter and going along just as usual. Bern asked in  his letter for things that we needed, look here are a few, we are really desperately in need of shoe for Bob (size 8) only pair passed repairing, Kiddies too, are walking on the soles of their feet, can't get an repairs done here, If possible (size 8 for Bernice), size 2 for Ronnie) size 3 Myra Size 4 1/2 Bobby Do you think there us any possibility of getting boys a suit, one for boys of 14, another boy of 10, if impossible, pants only would be more than welcome, everyone one of us need clothes badly I have still a pair of shoes so don't worry about me, could do with a frock of any description, for summer wear, stockings for boys needed, in fact Bett, anything you could get hold of. I think I have already asked if you could get girls, a frock, anything old thing that could be cut up would be welcome, shirts for Bob, his are all going home sports coat and pants, Bernard size would also be about Bob's.  Thanking you Betty, I'll know you'll do your utmost for us, hope to repay you someday, Love Doll, Bob Kids.


This letter was written on the same day as the previous card asking for combs, Dolly must have forgotten to include her request for combs in this letter.  Notice how Dolly asks for shoes, shirts, sports coat and pants for Bob, shoes, stockings (socks) and clothes for the kids, but only a 'frock of any description' for herself.  She also addresses the letter to her sister in law Betty, as one woman to another, and putting the needs of her family before herself.  

 

Reply to Red Cross Telegram from England 16 June 1943

 



Granny telegrams her mother in law on 16 June 1944, Florence turns it over and makes the following reply. ' Dear Bern and Bett, Received rather delayed message.  Hope you all enjoyed holiday.  Glad all well.  Everyone Okay.  Bob says wonderful parcels from you.  Love, Mum.'  So Dolly requests clothes in a letter on 14 May 1943 and Florence passes on news that 'wonderful parcels' have been received in her reply of 17 Sept 1943.  Just above the Bailiff's stamp and to the left is the date the reply was made at the telegraph bureau in Jersey. 

It takes a while to get your 'eye' into reading the letters but I got there in the end.  The pencil marks are fading a bit now but I'm sure I'll get it all done before May 8th.  I have gone public now, not just to family and friends. 

Welcome back to my blog.  Sorry I have not posted sooner but life can be hectic.

I am hoping to upload the Red Cross Telegrams up the end of 1942, there are several of them, and included is one from Jersey to England.  It is quite different to the British template, the instructions are in German and it is smaller in size.  It is from Aunty Emily to her brother and sister in law Bernard and Betty Mayne in England. 

                                                               Emily Symmons (Nee Mayne)

                                                Bernard and Betty Mayne, an extremely youthful
                                                           picture of my grandparents.


There are nine telegrams over the course of the year, and it seems there are too many to put on without boring everyone to death so I will just put on one side of each one and make notes on  it .

                                                                     Side 1

Florence ( Mum) was born on 13 Jan 1876 in St Helier, Jersey.  Her reply and thanks for the best wishes is dated 10 April 1942 and reached the German Red Cross on 24 July 1942.

                                                                         Side 1

Grandad acknowledges his mother's Christmas wishes on 4 March 1942.  He was on leave from his merchant navy ship, which was HMHS (His Majesty's Hospital Ship) Dinard.  It was a converted ferry, and was in Scotland being refitted between October 1941 and April 1942.  She had seen service at Dunkirk and brought back injured soldiers.  My mother used to tell me that when Grandad came home after Dunkirk he was so black with oil that neither of his daughters recognised him.

                                                                      HMHS Dinard
               
                                                       
                                                                             Side 1

 

                  Still on leave throughout March, not much to do if your ship is being refitted.

Side 1

This particular telegram is hard to read in the original because the red ink does not show up well, but it is more legible in the scanned version here.

 

 

 

Side 1

 

 This is addressed to 6 Paynes Road,  Freemantle, Southampton.  My Grandparents had move in there on 18 Dec 1939, presumably because Bernard's ship was based in the docks there.  It is the German Red Cross telegram format and not the British format.

 

                                                    Rent Book 6 Paynes Road, Southampton

 

 

 

 They stayed there until bomb damage forced them to move.  I have a letter about government compensation but that is later on.  They move to 104 High Street, Lymington, in the next few months of 1943 and live there until  about 1960.

 

  



Side 1

                                                                       Side 1

These 2 telegrams arrived pinned together,  one from 7 Nov 1942 and the other from 27 November 1942.   If you look closely enough you can see the metal staple.   Florence replies 'Glad all fine.  O.K. here.  Beautiful weather.'    L.P Sinel in his book 'The German Occupation of Jersey'  notes briefly  ---- Batch of Red Cross letters arrived.  -----  Overdue supply of meat, petrol and other goods arrived from France.'

 Side 1

Here is the first time that we have heard that Grandad has now written to his brother, interned in German with his family in September/October 1942.    His mother replies that she hears often from Bob but not Elsie.  Presumably letters between German occupied countries took less time to get to and fro. 
                                                                       

                                                                      Side 2


Florence replies on 29 May 1943 and it is received in England on 31 August 1943.  

                                                            Dick's Card to Betty.  30 Jan 1943.

This is the first communication that I have from the deported islanders, sent from Germany to |England.

The text reads

Dear Aunt. Mommy has just given me a card and said I could write to you and next week I am going to write to Auntie Elsie if there is a card to spare. It is very hot here and people are all dressed up lightly and are sitting in the hot sun.  I am writing a book about my experiences here to be able to show you when we return which we all hope will be soon. We have two dances a week in our camp one only for people over 14 to which I always go, for since I have been here I have learnt to dance a little.  We have school here but the lessons are too easy.  I'm terribly surprised with Betty and Bernice . - naught little  'girls'  Give my love to uncle and all  Bobby.


                Diary Notes from The German Occupation of Jersey by L.P.Sinel

Jan 31 1942    'The Germans put up a terrific barrage at night when British planes pass over.'  They did not hit anything. 

Mar 19 1942 'Arrival of another batch of Red Cross letters.'

March 26 1942 'The Germans commence a series of night manoeuvres; there is no doubt that the Island is a proper training depot.'

May 31 1942 'We learn with satisfaction of the R.A.F's first big raid with 1,000 bombers over Cologne; as a consequence of this German troops --- have been forbidden to use their wireless sets.'

JULY 28 1942 'The E.P. (Evening Post) suspends publication owing to the exhaustion of the paper supply.'

Dec 15 and 16 1942 'The price of paraffin is now 8.1/2d per pint retail, a quart to be issued to householders ------ dependent on this ---- for lighting purposes.'

Dec 31 1942 'Diphtheria is  on the increase, ---- Those who kept their wireless sets heard Big Ben strike at midnight.'

Jan 23 1943  The Jersey Internee Aid Committee issued a public statement, by sanction of the German authorities; parcels up to 15 kilos (about 32lb.) may be sent at fixed postal rates, declaration forms to be obtained at the British Post Office; ----- The parcels must contain 'only winter clothing, underwear and small articles of daily use; they must be handed in at the German Field Post Office.'    

Diary Notes from Islanders Deported by Roger E Harris; on life in Germany.

Jan 8 1943 ' Doughty wrote in his diary  ------  'Snow fell again and it now looks like staying, it is bitterly cold, the windows being frozen on the inside despite the fact that they are double windows. We found out later that it was 19(degrees) below freezing point and that it could get colder still.'.'



That's all for this post, I have finally reached the letters from Germany which I will start to post next time.