From Mudlarking to the German Occupation of Guernsey during WW2 - told by the people who were there

What was it like working for the Guernsey Secret Underground Press during the German occupation of WW2? What was it like as a child to steal potatoes from the Germans? What about the slave labourers building the fortifications? In 2021 I had the opportunity to speak to 5 people who told me their stories. One of these people was Magda Royall, the daughter of Jerzy Mroch - a Slave Labourer, who fell in love with a Guernsey woman.
Molly Bihet was 9 years old when the war started and she told me how life became increasingly difficult as time went on, with severe food shortages. Mary has gone on to write four books and you can find these at her website:- sites.get.gg/acw/
Mary Sim's parents worked for GASP - the Guernsey Secret Underground Press. Mary belongs to the Occupation Society and would love to hear from anyone if they have any stories relating to the Occupation or GASP. You can contact here here: - www.ciosguernse...
Thank you too to Brian Gabriel and Brian de Jersey for recounting their memories of that time.
The German occupation of the Channel Islands lasted for most of World War II, from 30 June 1940 until liberation on 9 May 1945. The Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey are two British Crown dependencies in the English Channel, near the coast of Normandy. The Channel Islands were the only de jure part of the British Empire to be occupied by Nazi Germany during the war.
As time progressed the situation grew gradually worse, leading to forced labour, mass deportations and ending in near starvation for both occupied and occupiers during the winter of 1944.
If you have any stories to share, please get in touch. You can contact me at [e-mail]
#guernseyoccupation #channelislands #guernsey

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Hi Everyone. During this video you will hear from Molly Bihet who was 9 years old when the German Occupation of the Channel Islands started in 1940. To win a signed copy of one of her books - "A Child's War" or "Occupation Life" please comment below followed by #guernseyoccupation. Also, if you have any memories or stories to share about the occupation of the Channel Islands, please get in touch. Thank you. Nicola

[@steverichard1903]

Hi Nichole this was a very interesting video. Thank you for sharing. #guernseyoccupation

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

@@steverichard1903 Thanks Steve

[@steverichard1903]

@@nicolawhitemudlark sorry I misspelled your name! Can't spell.

[@lupavolante]

war is the materialization of human madness

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

@@steverichard1903 no problem!

[@charlesperez9976]

I had the honored privilege of viewing this video before release,and I can assure you,it is not only a masterpiece,but a perfect example of the importance of recording our beloved elders,so that their story will live on!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Charles Im so grateful for your feedback on this one. You're absolutely right. It's so important to record memories and stories like these. xx

[@file13whereareyou]

They do live on. I am in the US. I try to educate the younger generations about this war. May their sacrifices not be forgotten.

[@charlesperez9976]

Well said!!

[@Katseye102]

I really wish I could have been old enough to talk to my grandfather about the wars and to see if he was involved with any military services at the time. Or to even listen to what the people at the time were going through. I’m so happy I found your channel and you have opened my eyes to so much history from all over the world. The things these people went through just makes my heart break, but then again people were so much stronger in character than we are today it seems. They did such incredible things to survive the occupation! I had no idea about this! Thank you for sharing this Nicola! #guernseyoccupation

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Catherine ❤️

[@janeingram7331]

I've written several historical novels about WWII - 3 children evacuated from London, the women that handled the narrowboats from London to Coventry, a woman who studied nursing at Florence Nightengale School of Nursing and went to a Southampton Hospital in prep for D-Day, the women's land army. Unfortunately, none of these got into the main stream, some are not self-published. But the amount of research was very rewarding. I once heard Prince Charles say that only 43% of British even know their history about WWII. I'm an American and probably know more about the war than most Americans. Many friend of mine don't know and don't care, frankly. They do not know how important it was for American participation. Also much of the Meadow Lands in New Jersey were built on the ruble from the ballast of American ship returning to the US after the war. The ruble was from the London bombing. So much enjoyed your presentation, Nicole. And naturally you would do it with the utmost of accuracy and respect. Jane, Philadelphia

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Jane. Your novels sound interesting. I would certainly read them! Can I get any?

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Or rather, is there anywhere I can buy one?

[@lizmudlark4096]

Hi Nicola, I've only just caught up with this video and have been totally caught up in the stories from this difficult time. I knew the Channel Islands had been commandeered by the Nazis but only had the vaguest of detail about the occupation itself and how it affected the people of Guernsey in particular. My thanks to Molly, Magda, Mary, the two Brians and everyone who kindly shared their stories. Such an important thing to record their stories while we still can. I'll definitely be checking out Molly's website to buy some of her books. Thank you again for putting this together so professionally and with such great care and attention to detail.

[@ChristopherCirillo]

Hearing the deeply personal stories and accounts of survival and perseverance truly breathes history into the textbook accounts of the war we studied in school. I was struck by how people found ways to come together to help one another in little, but profound ways. The videos really showcases humanity at its best despite the terrifying ordeal these people endured for far too long. When we consider the witnesses and storytellers you featured in your video, mere children at the time, it touches my heart to learn how they were able to adapt to the circumstances, and how they still found joy in singing and playing the piano or playing cards. I was also comforted and moved somewhat by the compassion and restraint shown by at least some of the occupying soldiers. The cost of war is always too great. Thank you, Nicola, for so thoughtfully and respectfully capturing and sharing the stories of these remarkable people. Memorializing these accounts so they aren’t lost or forgotten helps to preserve and honor the many lessons of the experience so we and future generations won’t ever have to endure such things again, I hope. Thank you again for sharing their stories. ♥️

[@roypowell3450]

Nicola this was brilliant excellent viewing, this should be put on TV in place of some the rubbish we have to suffer, well done!! Oh well its back to your pink wellies now😊. Thanks again Cheryl & Roy. xx

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Roy!

[@alexandermenzies9954]

Very well done, Nicola. So important to have these first hand accounts of experiences recorded and preserved. A moving documentary.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Alexander

[@cynthiaschulz5008]

Bravo, Nicola. Bravo. Thank you for this very important look back into history. May mankind never forget.

[@higgybee6509]

A wonderful video Nicola. I am from Canada and we were fortunate here to never experience anything like that. Such a terrible time in history for the people who went through it in Guernsey. My Dad was in the navy on a Atlantic convoy ship from 1939-1945 and all my Uncles served as well fighting against the Germans. My Dad made sure we never forgot what happened. All my Dad and Mom's family was from the UK. On one of the times his ship docked in Liverpool he took leave and went to see his Uncle and family in Birkenhead. He left the ship with his duffle bag filled with fresh produce and tinned food and sweets for his relatives. About 10 years ago I connected with my Dad's 80 year old cousin and she told me about my Dad's visit and the food that he had brought to them. She said she had never had an orange before so the comment Molly made about the orange made me remember my Dad. I am such a WW1 and WW2 British history buff and I have watched just about every video on KZbin relating to the wars. Your video was very informative. I think I will look into getting Molly's books. Thanks

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for sharing the story about your Dad and your family ❤️

[@millesoc]

Thankyou for sharing this story. History is so fascinating and this is filled with brave people who deserve to be remembered. Well done.

[@merahertel6256]

Thanks for this wonderful set of stories about the people of Guernsey during the occupation. I can’t wait to watch your mudlarking adventures and histories every Sunday. This documentary was a special treat. Thanks for sharing your treasures with the rest of us.

[@scrivera079]

I wanted to thank you for an incredible look of what defines us during times of war and even peace. The stories our elders capture it is through them that our history is preserved for all time. As always Nicole your videos are amazing; more importantly I love how you delve into the history of the items you find. This video in particular is by far my favorite one. Again thank you and thank you to the people of Guernsey...sue from Fresno California

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you very much Sue. I really appreciate your comment. I'm so glad you enjoyed it

[@barbaratempleton-bacon3634]

Bless you Nicola, that was a beautifully told vidio, I am 84 and as a little girl in Sydney Aust. was aware of the german Occ. of Guernsey. my dad was a Scot. and he worked (in manpower) with a man from Guernsey. He told us about the islands and how he worried about his family. Barbara (down under)

[@chrisbgifford7387]

Years ago I read the Guernsey Sweet Potato Pie Society. The history came to life for me. Since I was born in the early 60's I have missed the depravations of war. Thank the Lord! It was in 1990 a week before my son was born that my husband then in Texas National Guard was warned he would possible be deployed to Desert Storm in Iraq. I had a heart felt request with God to spare our little family. We were fortunate that my husband did not have to go. I have been so fortunate in that war has never personally touched us. The people of Guernsey survived the event with strength.

[@micheleaustin8328]

Both my Parents were born in 1942💓💓I like to think that both their Fathers, my Grandfathers, one was in the Army and one was in the Navy. We were blessed because both Grandfathers came home safe from that horrific War!🙌🙌

[@katiecroft8493]

Brilliant. Many thanks. Shed a few tears for the wonderful people of Guernsey & for the bravery they showed.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Katie ❤️

[@douglassiemens4245]

Fascinating video! My father was a medic in the US Army during WWII. He took part in transporting German POWs across the Atlantic from England via ships, so this video had a great deal of interest to me. I had no idea that Germany occupied any territory in the UK, so it was quite eye opening. Thanks again for sharing.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Douglas. Glad you enjoyed it. Some American soldiers were also on the Channel Islands for the liberation I believe.

[@nigelsouthworth5577]

Thank you for this wonderful documentary. I have always been fascinated by life on the Channel Islands during the Second World War and the Occupation.

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Brilliant! My Grandfather was sent to Germany as forced labour but luckily ended up on a farm to work with his beloved horses and a lovely, kind German family. They remained friends well after the war.

[@gabbyjenkins5887]

I never knew about Guernsey/ the occupation in Guernsey until I watched a movie on Netflix called ‘The Guernsey Literary and potato peel pie society’, before the movie it was a book about a writer from London who falls in love with a man that started writing to her about the German occupation in Guernsey. It is a fictional story based around true events (besides the love story). It made me read about the occupation. I’ve always been interested in WW2 but never ever heard about Guernsey

[@WaysideArtist]

Nicola, this is such an important history. Thank you for interviewing these elder folks and sharing their memories. May their stories not be forgotten. #guernseyoccupation

[@jimchambers4961]

Excellent presentation. Taught me something new and interesting. Thanks

[@malinda8668]

It is difficult to find the words to express my feelings for this well done documentary. I'm just grateful to hear these stories from people who experienced that time and place. Their words are precious and it's important that they have been recorded.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Malinda ❤️

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Thank you for this production, Nicola. And also for bringing these books written by Molly Bihet, which will make excellent gifts for my two sisters. I think you gave evidence of a rather important detail of the War--there was a difference between Nazi and non-Nazi Germans.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you. Yes very important difference

[@alexandermenzies9954]

It may seem rather crass here but the news films of the day showed the seemingly unanimous acceptance of the Nazi party and its military manifestations by the cheering "nice" people (and remember the scene in 'Cabaret' of the old man shaking his head as the happy picnic families joined in the Nazi salutes and songs). "When good men do nothing..". Lest We Forget.

[@stewarth99]

Thank you for the film. My father was one of the evacuees. He was evacuated to Greenock! Evacuated from a war zone to a target area.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Oh my goodness! I bet he would have some tales to tell

[@leonardjackman354]

Thank you Nicola and the people of Guernsey for making this very interesting video. Len

[@erinmcgrathejm4985]

My father was a veteran of WWII, though he was involved in the Pacific Theatre. I’m glad you were able to record first person narratives of the occupation. We mustn’t forget these stories. #guernseyoccupation

[@grimmudo4459]

Mein Vater war bei der Kriegsmarine !Mein Schwiegervater Luftwaffe ! Mein Onkel Kurt bei der Infantrie ! Und Onkel Willi bei den Panzer ! Sie haben für ein besseres Deutschland gekämpft ! Kamen gesund zurück 👍

[@susanboon4605]

Hi, Nicola. Susan from Shelburne, Ontario here. That was an amazing documentary, with first rate editing and music as well as great interviews and filming. I was in Guernsey 5 years ago and toured the military hospital, as well as the wee museum there. Since then I have been fascinated by the occupation. Your interviews provided additional insight as to what life was like during that difficult time. Thank you for preserving those recollections for posterity. #guernseyoccupation

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Susan. I'm glad you visited the occupation museum. It's brilliant. I hoped to interview the owner but he was busy that week

[@tandyjenkins7495]

Thank you Nicola for this amazing video. I hope the world never forgets this time in history and is never repeated.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Tandy

[@Beth_D]

Nicola, thank you for this video ❤️ As I said in the live chat - It was a masterpiece! My grandparents were war refugees brought to England by British troops after WW2. They never spoke about it. Videos like this help me understand what they must have lived through. Thank you for capturing these voices and memories while we still can x x #guernseyoccupation

[@rikspector]

Nicola, I had a lump in my throat and was in tears through much of your documentary. What more can I say except you have a real gift for narration and cinematography. Cheers, Rik Spector

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Rik

[@oges74]

Thank you for putting this together Nicola, and thank you to the ladies and gentleman for sharing your stories

[@paulkinzer7661]

I think people sometimes forget that all history is personal to those who live through it. Thanks for this deep, moving reminder! #guernseyoccupation

[@MissLoriAAnne]

Thank you for this. I am in Canada where we are under distress with our government and we are afraid of going into a dictatorship. Please pray for us. 🇨🇦

[@libbyminchin3163]

Wow! What a moving tribute to all those who went through the WWll. So well put together and beautiful photography. Thank you. Also good to hear that not ALL of the Germans were terrible people. X

[@salishseaquest7952]

Incredible stories, Nicola! Can't even imagine anything like that invasion and occupation. How wonderful you were able to capture their stories and all this historical footage. I know you've told us some of this story in the past but this was in-depth. This was really made with great Heart -- it comes through. Thank you for spending your precious time and energy in creating and sharing with all of us. Some great lessons to be learned. I'm so moved by this video. xx Karen #guernseyoccupation

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Karen. So glad you enjoyed it xx

[@randywoodworth4022]

I wasn't sure what to say in response to this film, until I read this. Thank you for saying it for me.💗🙏

[@MKCarol-ms7lg]

Quite the change of pace for your channel; but such a wonderful tribute to some deserving individuals and the spirit of resistance. Very important information at this time in society.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Thank you so much for making this video. Not enough has been done to save History. Many who lived through WWII have passed while other are slowly passing. My father served in the U.S. Army; and, he never really got over what he went through. He would wake us screaming in his sleep. The only times I ever heard him talk openly about the War was at the Veterans Hospital (when he was with other WWII veterans).

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Arvetta, I'm thinking about your dear father who must have gone through such a lot ❤️

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

@@nicolawhitemudlark Thank you.

[@teresahill6356]

It Was lovely to see Molly we stayed with her on Guernsey when our children were young, Nicola you make the most interesting and brilliant films, Thank you

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Oh amazing! She is such a lovely and gentle woman

[@janetslicer3637]

Ahh Nicola, this brought many tears to my eyes. What a masterpiece! And to be able to hear from those that survived, albeit, wee ones with great memories and documented books is so precious. Just as we say never forget for all the Jews that lost their lives, lest we forget all those people all over the world that fought to stop this tyranny and lost their lives even on those tiny channel islands. Thank you for this video and their special stories. I am purchasing all the books to read and then will share them with my local library here in Frederick, MD, USA. My Father was a young boy along with his Dad and Grand-dad during the Belfast blitz and I know the terror and suffering just from their perspective. He lost friends, his house was shelled, but the terror those people on Guernsey experienced almost broke my heart. Thank you again, these stories cannot be lost. God bless you all. Janet Kirkwood Slicer 🙏 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Janet. I'm so glad these stories and dialogues resonated with you. that's such a great idea and very kind too to share the books with your library. Thank you so much ❤️

[@jamesstewart3317]

Excellent and informative video Nicola,was completely engrossed in the lives of the Guernsey people,living through those terrible and turbulent times.You should be really proud of this video.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you James

[@artieash6671]

American here. I fell in love with Guernsey on my way to visit the nearby Island of Sark, and have returned several times to visit the home of Victor Hugo who was exiled there. I've read about the island, particularly The Book of Ebenezer LaPage, a masterpiece, so my interest has been literary. This wonderful documentary has deepened my knowledge and experience of the island, past and (I hope) in future. The world has been suffering for two years now with the pandemic. These people, and the whole world, endured bravely for five. Puts our troubles into perspective. Thank you.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! I need to read that too.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Ps I also love Sark. And Herm

[@theresecallaghan]

Absolutely incredible video Nicola. You’ve excelled yourself! Thank you

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Therese ❤️

[@2_pencil]

Thank you, Nicola. I learned a lot from this. I’m always grateful when people are able to share their stories while they’re still here. Thanks for making this possible.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Julie

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Great video -- interviews making it so much more personal than just facts, figures and vintage footage. War *is* hell. Thank you for putting this all together so that those years, and those experiences will not be forgotten. All of my uncles who were (barely) old enough enlisted in the US forces as soon as they could during the war (after the attack on Pearl Harbor) -- but my father's family had distant relatives in England, and the family here were "glued" to the radio reports every evening from England about the Blitz and the indomitable resistance that you all put up -- obviously before the US entered the war. One of my uncles was a B17 pilot for over 2 years (one of the longest-flying/most missions in the war). While I was growing up, my uncles would not talk about the war. It wasn't shame -- it was humility. They did what they felt that they needed to do -- to defeat tyranny and oppression which threatened innocent lives across the globe. Let us never forget -- so that we (hopefully) never have to repeat these terrible events. Thank you.

[@pennygiese1972]

What a great tribute to the brave people of Guernsey!

[@phillipyannone3195]

Outstanding documentary! This has left me with my thoughts of several people I have known, one in particular who served in both great wars. And also my mother who was a nurse in London at that time. I was nice to hear of the German soldier who was kind to the older women carrying the wood. We are all human after all.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Phillip

[@steveoszman8746]

Lest We Forget, veteran's and surviving family members know how thin the veil between freedom and slavery. Well done sister, well done.

[@victoriabaylis1055]

Really interesting video Nicola, it reminded me of some of the stories I was told by my landlord whilst staying in Jersey in mid 90s. He had been made to watch as the boat his father had built him was destroyed to prevent escape. He and his friends threw bread to the Russian Prisoners of war marching along to build the underground hospital and being chased off by the soldiers. So pleased Molly has put these memories in writing for future generations. #guernseyoccupation

[@marthariddlegarcia2991]

Outstanding job Nicola. Worthy of BBC publication. I extremely enjoyed it and want thank you for sharing it with us.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Martha ❤️

[@dianesaulnier9772]

As an American who was born in 1942, I grew up knowing very little about the War. But I have done some reading. I think one of my favorite books is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. It is a work of fiction, but after seeing this video, I can appreciate all the research that those two writers did in Guernsey. I think it is one of my favorite books....it really enlightens you about your ability to survive and even almost thrive. Thank you Nicola, for doing this video. It is wonderful.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you

[@pollatso]

You know I thought that wasn’t going to be my thing but I gave it a go & really enjoyed that very interesting well put together lovely lady’s. Happy Tuesday thank you 🙏 🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆🦆

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you for taking a chance on me! ❤️❤️

[@Caam69]

The resilience of these people is awe inspiring! Thank you for bringing their stories to us. #guernseyoccupation

[@helenaweston1296]

Absolutely amazing video....I love to hear the real stories. Such brave people, total admiration for them all. My grandad was Polish, joined the Polish army in the war, forced later to join the German army, which he hated. Eventually a prisoner of war but sent to Scotland, re joining a Polish regiment again. He stayed in the UK, not seeing his family for many years after the war.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Helena. It must have been so difficult for your grandad. I can't even begin to imagine

[@BrendainPA]

Nicola - this video is excellent. Your extensive research, your interviews with those wonderful people, your videography and narration have resulted in this captivating video. Thank you so much!

[@marionbowler5440]

Truly amazing Nic, I have no words. Thank you everyone for your service whether civilians or soldiers, much love to you all from Canada. #guernseyoccupation.. Thank you so much Nic x for this truly remarkable story. 💜🍁🐘🇨🇦

[@adrianwilliams6554]

What an amazing video with a huge piece of history this video should be made into a documentary for all to see thank you for the privilege to watch

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Adrian ❤️

[@ashbell6712]

Super interesting, emotive video nicola. Well done to you and to all those interviewed. It was brilliant to watch and learn from xx

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Ash xx

[@sarahracha]

I became emotional watching this. Not for the content as much as for the amazing quality of this video. You did such a good job making this. I’m going to share it with everyone. Just WOW!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Sally ❤️

[@alisonh890]

I was very moved by the bravery and fortitude of the people of Guernsey during the war. Thankyou Nicola for bringing this to us.

[@lynneseaward1315]

That was a wonderful video, Nic’. Thankyou so much for making it. Very sad . It made me feel ashamed that I have moaned so much about the inconveniences of this pandemic when so many people suffered so much more in wartime. X

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Lynne xx

[@annamariebeaty4206]

I'm so moved by this video. Thank you for making it! 😘😘😘

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you ❤️

[@bonnieh5790]

My Daddy was in the Navy from. 43 to 48. He was in the Pacific and in Europe. It was something he wouldn't talk about until my brothers and I grew up. But he did open up before he died. Thank you for this video. It shouldn't be forgotten ever.

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you, Nicola for this heart wrenching video about a situation that a lot people did not know even happened. It was a extraordinary time and unfortunate situation for the citizens of Guernsey. I’m glad you got it out today. Again, a very grateful thank you for your help and labor with this endeavor. Prayers for all survivors who still survive.

[@laraemitchell9064]

My best friend and soul mate was around 7 in London when the war started. He had stories! His dad was away early on in the RAF. He lived through some of the blitz before his mother took him to the country. (She became a cook at an estate in the country).

[@lovelyskull3483]

Thank you Nicola for this incredible story. I enjoyed every second.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you ❤️

[@tobiehemphill4089]

Hi from Mississippi I never comment but this was incredible loved it

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Tobie! That means a lot to me xx

[@trevorjones5625]

Absolutely fantastic viewing. Thank you Nicola for putting this together, and to all involved. I have just purchased 5 of Molly's books so will be looking forward to reading these when they arrive. #guernseyoccupation

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Hi Trevor, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I have read the books and love them. I hope you enjoy them too. Molly has some amazing stories to tell

[@grahamlavis5742]

Thank you for putting this together, these stories need to be remembered and passed on to future generations so it is not repeated.

[@stuartwhitta9333]

Nicola, you really have surpassed yourself with this wonderful documentary. It was a pleasure to watch. You truly are the "First Lady Of The Foreshore".

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Stuart xx

[@barbaracatalano6299]

Nicola, Thank you. What a beautiful film. You have out done yourself on this one. It is fantastic that you have recorded the memories. Thank you

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Barbara xx

[@wendydewaal6631]

Well done, Nicola. Every little bit of comment or memory shared honours those who lived it + we are reminded not to forget. Happy memories too!

[@Zandain]

Beautiful tribute, Nic - may their stories stay alive, as reminders of a time, most have forgotten 💗✨️ hello from Denmark 🌸❄ #guernseyoccupation

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you ❤️

[@karinberonius8799]

Whenever I watch a documentary about WWll, or read about it, or when I've met holocaust survivors, I always think about the wars duration. We know how long it lasted. But the ones who lived it had no idea when it would end. After all, the Great War was to end all wars, wasn't it. The broadcasts on those crystal radios must have been like little beacons of light in the darkness. Thank you for making this documentary Nicola. It was beautifully made. 👏👏👏 #guernseyoccupation

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Karin. Yes, we take so much for granted dont we x

[@anneclements2473]

Very poignant to see and hear these memories. My mother lived and worked in Guernsey in the ‘70s and I was lucky enough to live there with her for about 18 months. She always said that, even then, memories of the war were very raw for many of the people who lived through it. Her job took her out into the countryside and she heard many stories from older people and many of them were not as forgiving as those you interviewed. There was particularly bad feeling against those felt to have fraternised, and their families, even though it may well have been only in an effort to stay alive that people did that. Wonderful to hear a very slight Guernsiaise accent again. Thanks for sharing.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Anne, yes I'm sure there must be so many different viewpoints and memories

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

I’m very late to watch this, though I’ve kept it on my “watch” list until I could give it the attention it deserves and not be tired or distracted. Today was the day and it was worth the wait! So well put together. Not overly dramatic or maudlin, just an honest telling of stories by those who were children living through this life-altering experience. I am struck, as I always am when stories are told by children who lived through extraordinary circumstances, that they had little or no sense of how remarkably different their lives were from what they might have been. And probably not a strong idea of the amount of peril they and their families were in. Every child views the events of his or her life as “normal” while they are occurring and it isn’t until afterward that the grow to realize how wonderful (or, sadly for some, how terrible) were their parents and those around them. I’m so glad that these people, each in her/his own way, has chosen to actively work to memorialize those who endured. And kudos to you, Nicola, for adding to their efforts. Very nicely done.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Lucinda. I appreciate your thoughts on this project which I really enjoyed doing.

[@marciehall2125]

I just want to say thank you so much for this wonderful historical video. As an American born after the war I never knew this story. My father was an American paratrooper mostly seeing action in France. I gained a whole new insight and I am grateful.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Marcie. Your father must have seen so much during his time as a paratrooper in France. What a difficult time that was

[@teresasallam9526]

Nicola thank you for this highly important video. Having the ability to talk with those who were there, suffered, held strong and survived to share their stories is history that is being pushed away as false. I appreciate that you chose to do this video, you are an amazing person. Thank you so much.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Teresa

[@Adam-Gates-Mudlark]

So heart touching & emotional to hear the pain everybody had to go through in each story. We are just lucky how life is today. History which has been witnessed is always my favorite. Something to never forget, thats for sure! #guernseyoccupation

[@acerone10]

Nicely said, Adam.

[@LarWolkan]

what an amazing documentary! I had no idea about the occupation. The amount of detail, footage, interviews, editing and over-all work is outstanding. Plus I was glad to see the lack of animosity by the people interviewed. This sends out so much hope to me that maybe the human race can move on and grow.... And one day the world can live in total peace and freedom. Don't forget the past, but use it to progress for a better world! Thank you Nicola!! Really great work!!! --A new producer is born!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you so much. I'm delighted you enjoyed it. Your comment means a lot

[@Wreckdiver59]

Thank you for recording and sharing these interviews with us. Preserving first hand accounts before they are lost to time is so important. I'll be sure to share this with others who share my interest in WWII. #guernseyoccupation

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you x

[@hughtattersall7583]

Nicola, that was a great piece, deserves a much wider audience.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Hugh ❤️

[@jazzkazz]

Wonderful video Nicola. Having visited Jersey a few times in my teens I was aware of the occupation of our lovely Channel Islands, but it has been interesting to hear these personal stories from those who were there. Thank you for helping to preserve that history - something that is so important.

[@normagrimstad8869]

Thank you Nicola! Great local first person oral history. It’s so important to record these stories. I’m an American in Massachusetts, and I’ve never heard about the occupation of the Channel Islands.

[@joyceclark8476]

Wow, what amazing stories of history. Nicola, well done on this video. Joyce 🙏❤️🇺🇸

[@annepennicott651]

Hi Nicola! I sat transfixed throughout your documentary. I already knew a lot of the history of the German occupation of Guernsey, but it was wonderful to hear Guernsey people talking about their lives at that time. This is a very important historical record that you have made. Thank you. I have visited Jersey on many occasions and Guernsey twice. Seeing the German fortifications and the underground hospital is chilly to me.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Anne. So glad you enjoyed it

[@maryd55m]

I loved this documentary. I had never heard the story of Guernsey until I saw a tv show about it (I'm in the US) so it was interesting to see people from there talk about what happened and how it affected them. I hope you do more of these documentaries because you did a beautiful job of putting this all together. #guernseyoccupation

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you 💗

[@nancybrady2976]

Thank you for bringing this time of history to the forefront. I’m a history buff of WW2, so I knew of this, but so many people nowadays don’t. Beautifully done 🇺🇸

[@dannsherstone1037]

Thank you Nicola and all the best to the people of Guernsey.

[@juliespade1573]

How wonderful, thank you for your time in putting this together. Timing is great considering we have a war looming now. War is so horrible on everyone, we forget that. Lest we forget!

[@lauriepaterson100]

When I was getting down about the pandemic restrictions I would just think about my Grandfather who endured being in the First World War and all the horrors he saw. I didn’t realize what the people of Guernsey went through.........thank you for informing me of their trying times during the Second World War.

[@jaclynstewartoclair208]

Thank you for making this video. I can't even imagine as a parent to have to be separated from your children for 5 years. That is so heartbreaking. Thanks again for this part of history and a reminder not to take freedom for granted.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you

[@jonathanholley8043]

As much as I look forward to your mudlark videos this documentary was so insightful and thought provoking especially having visited the island and seen the fortifications still in place. You really should consider doing more of these videos , thank you for a fascinating 45 minutes.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Jonathan x

[@debrajohnson1982]

Brilliant. I’m profoundly moved.

[@Bibi3_7]

What a beautiful tribute video Nicola! Thank you to dear Molly and the others that contributed ❤️❤️❤️

[@dudley8671]

*Bravo* Nicola the many hours you have given this work is obvious! *Beautifully Done❤* Tears fell as I watched newsreels, learned stories of slave laborers and those of the Channel Islands' inhabitants. If you're so inclined, I await your next such project. Don't be afraid of injecting more of yourself, your beautiful photography & music choices into your storytelling. These are not detractors, they are the details of your humanity, that bring your stories to life!❤❤ Kindly Dudley

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Dudley ❤️

[@hooper4581]

I love these stories from the greatest generation. Great job Nic. 👍

[@kevcox5585]

Amazing video Nic and one that is rarely told. I'm so pleased you made this. I went to Guernsey on holiday in 2010 and went to Fort Grey on the west coast one day and sat on a seat at the top of the martello tower and two elderly ladies, who were locals told me all about their time as young girls during the occupation. It was really fascinating I just listened to them speak for about half an hour. One thing that sticks with me was when one told me due to lack of supplies she had to make new tyres for her push bike out of hosepipe, she reminded me alot of Molly.. It was a conversation I hold dearly as they didn't have to tell me anything, but I showed interest and they opened up and told me so much. A lovely island today, hard to imagine it during an occupation. Thanks for the video Nic.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Kevin. It was very inspiring listening to Molly xx

[@elizabethlindert8589]

That was wonderful Nicola and well done. Would love to visit Guerensey one day when this is all over. 😀

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you ❤️