Inside Hitler's Guernsey Island Bunkers | With Dan Snow

[@tracey-lout9708]

Was at the underground hospital a few weeks ago with my students. Fascinating places to explore, all over Guernsey and helps to keep war time history alive for our younger islanders.

[@ramseybarber8312]

Hi I was talking to a Guernsey Islander many years ago he told me a story, When the Germans took over the Island they ordered the traffic to change sides and drive on the Right hand side, After a few days of carnage they got used to it, Then when they were liberated they changed back to driving on the Left so they had more carnage.

[@alexanderogier1252]

Guernseyman here, my grandad said they also had to use German currency, use German time, and also had to take animals inside at night otherwise the Germans would steal them and eat them from the lack of food on the island

[@mgiles5507]

It's still bloody carnage on the roads here today

[@stuartkirkland9255]

​@@mgiles5507 really? How so?

[@mgiles5507]

@@stuartkirkland9255 too many cars, too many large vehicles, buses are too big, half the roads are closed

[@stuartkirkland9255]

@@mgiles5507 agree that those are problems but still there are very few collisions.

[@mlanyon9500]

time stamp 6:32 is a picture take at the old harbour in sark during the filming of enemy at the door

[@SebastiaanKr]

The picture at 6:34 is from a television series, not from 2WW

[@terryfletcher6465]

I was there in '75 and it was quite over grown.Accsess to it was a goat track from a small cafe. Once inside it was impossible to see, totally dark. So with torch and camera I took several pictures of the installations and artwork, including the Kreigsmarine emblem. Now it's all cleaned up and illuminated.

[@helmut926]

Is the picture at 6:30 from enemy at the door?

[@MrMallum]

My sister lives in Castelle, Geurnsey and I have visited all the German bunkers that literally surround the island and underground. They say that the reason most of the lookout towers and underground tunnels were so well built that it has been too dangerous to blow it all up due to the massive amount of explosives needed to actually get rid of it all; this would have (and still does), put the public in too much danger as the island is so small. When I visit and jog along the roads, there are constant reminders of WWII. I actually have pictures of some tunnels that are on private land. My brother in law knows the owners so they all took me there to see them all. I can send them to History Hit if you wanted to see them.

[@pagmonreal]

Castel*

[@rikspector]

Dan, I saw a great documentary about people who survived the occupation and their roles in maintaining an underground resistance. British pride and determination even under the Nazi yoke! Cheers, Rik Spector

[@NathanThomas82]

Enemy at the Door (TV Series) image used at 6:28! Make it black and white and it almost looks original eh!

[@jingle9691]

I've been to the German fortifications and underground hospital at Jersey which, as you'd expect, almost identical. Really impressive stuff. Also, I love Dan Snow.

[@angieallen4884]

I have long had an interest in all thing WWII but ever since reading "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society," Guernsey has been of particular interest. Thank you for this very interesting view!

[@chanelfitzgerald]

Me too, very interested in Guernsey for that.

[@johnslaughter5475]

Very interesting. You could enhance this video by insetting a map of the tunnel system, possibly with a dot to show your current location.

[@bubalusarnee6325]

My vocational trainer, a „Kraftfahrzeug Mechanikermeister“ and as a conscript, „ Oberfeldwebel“ of the Wehrmacht became a POW at the German surrender on Gurnsey. During his captivity he became an expert in British cars.

[@vickygruber6030]

There used to be a star gate up at fort George in Guernsey. Not sure when it was built but what was left of it in the 40's was pretty awesome

[@petefl1818]

There were four guns from the Russian Battleship Imperator Aleksandr III, Dan Snow only goes into one of the gun emplacements of Batterie Mirus, one of the other three emplacements has been turned into a garden at a local school.

[@derrickstableford8152]

Worked on a bunker that was converted to a wet well(sewage lingo). The construction team had a hell of a time. Bomb squad called 18 times. Including a mine that came up in the middle of a dredgers bucket. Had it gone off, would have cleaned Peterport off the map.

[@PieterBreda]

I would have run away really fast.

[@kiwifruit27]

The photo at 6:34 is from the tv series about the German occupation of the Channel Islands but they have included it by mistake. Ooops. Fascinating video otherwise. Enemy at the door was the name of the series I think

[@mruse7180]

Thanks kiwifruit: I thought one of them looked like Mr Bronson/ Michael Sheard, and a search on ‘shutter stock’ confirms you’re right: episode called ‘The Raid’.

[@mikelm6198]

History hit is what the history channel should be I love folks keep em coming

[@MattMurphyMusicTeacher]

With all that natural reverb, someone needs to record an album in that bunker

[@stuartkirkland9255]

Already done. Bunkers have been used as rehearsal and recording spaces for decades. Bunker parties used to be a big thing when I was young too.

[@alisonb4898]

6:30 is a film clip from escape to Athena, the actor next to the horse is Michael Sheard. So I don’t know why it’s in this vid.

[@ziploc2000]

Well, he played Hitler a few times, and also Goering's double in 'Allo 'Allo, so that's probably good enough for the History Hit researchers. I found him most chilling as Mr Bronson in Grange Hill.

[@alisonb4898]

@@ziploc2000 I have to laugh because when I first looked I said….that’s mr bronson from Grange Hill 😂

[@mmamdw]

No it isn't, that is a clip from the tv series Enemy at the door set on the channel islands

[@missharry5727]

Just got back from a trip to Alderney, which was also occupied by the Germans. The whole population was evacuated to mainland England in 1940. The Germans were responsible for the extinction of the local Alderney breed of cattle, used for food. The island held labour camps and weapons development establishments. Fascinating, terrible stories.

[@stephengraham5099]

The photo at 6.30 is taken from a modern drama.

[@bigswoop5143]

Oh I'm so glad it was Dan on this one

[@kevinbishop7149]

Interesting subject matter, but I am disappointed that one of the stills is from the television series based in the Channel Islands during the Nazi occupation called 'Enemy at the Door' It is used apparently as an authentic contemporary depiction of the occupation.

[@wobblegsy]

I noticed that.

[@wobblegsy]

6:28

[@mickeykolody7773]

I had the opportunity to visit the bunkers and underground hospital a while ago. It is a fascinating yet horrible insight into what was endured during the war.

[@LordKingPotato]

@Histroy Hit Don't forget too visit Jersey next!

[@davidcreager1945]

Pretty fasinating ! I'm sure the Brit's could have retaken the island , but the cost would have been high. I bet the German troops stationed there were glad they weren't at the eastern front ! Great video , dan !

[@ramseybarber8312]

Hi David As Churchill said there are 5,000 German troops on the Islands. that is 5,000 less on the Front we have to fight so leave them there.

[@duncandisorderly6562]

Never forget the English government abandoned us Channel Islanders 😒

[@larsrons7937]

3:06 _"Wir Fahren Gegen England" (We Go Towards England),_ I believe that was a sort of "warcry" of the German Navy in 1914 (WWI). Thanks for a very interesting tour. I'm gonna see this some day. *Time Team* did an interesting WWII excavation on Jersey. Dan Snow, wasn't it you sitting in a Lancaster bomber in the intro to (I think) that episode? kzbin.info

[@stevewhite1714]

Very interesting, i actually went in Battery Miras around 30 years ago and remember seeing all the original artwork on the walls and all the graffiti unfortunately. Obviously there was no lights on so we were using torches!!

[@mrglayden1690]

Side note, the one shwon here I think was only dug up about 8 years ago, there is at least 2 sites to the Mirus bunkers so you may have gone in the other one

[@stevewhite1714]

@@mrglayden1690 yeah very likely, i was on holiday and the son of the hotel owners took me so which one it was i don't know. Was around 30 years ago !

[@Vodaph0ne]

2:59-3:18 What I don't understand is gegen means against in German so why doesn't the translation show that?

[@stuartkirkland9255]

yep, was wondering that too, thought it might have been "gehen" (go) but doesn't look like it.

[@olivermcquillan3022]

How interesting, I live close to Guernsey on the sister island of Jersey the larger island. It would hit home if you @History Hit did an episode about Jersey's bunker system created by the German forces especially the underground hospital.

[@tacticalultimatum]

A fellow Crapaud I see

[@olivermcquillan3022]

@@tacticalultimatum Ah bah crie!

[@fjallaxd7355]

As a Guern this is cool to see. Good video

[@gottee1]

i wonder if they realise they used a still from the tv program enemy at the door

[@Emariess]

We have our band practice in one of those bunkers.

[@fasthracing]

Dan "dramatic WOW" Snow

[@feroxvenom5082]

I love ww2 history I play game's aswell and sniper elite 5 as Guernsey level and it was absolutely phenomenal 👌🏻

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Fascinating! Thanks.

[@williamrobinson7435]

I suppose that for obvious reasons info about the occupation was suppressed on the mainland.. These images and facts are amazing! I shall DEFINITELY be watching this one again! Fandabidozee in the extreme. 👍

[@54mgtf22]

Love your work 👍

[@dannjp75]

If you love history, this island is dripping with it. Glad it’s my home..❤

[@christopherwright4573]

Can't beat the occupation fortifications that is why i went to Guernsey to see what the Germans got up to on our Channel Islands . Jersey next stop wahey then back to Guernsey next year with excursion to Alderney to see the Odeon etc

[@katherinecollins4685]

Really interesting

[@tonybaker55]

The same on Jersey too.

[@DJL78]

Interesting footwear choice Dan. 🩴

[@tacticalultimatum]

Any Crapauds here? 🇯🇪

[@VivicaGsy]

The audio in this is honestly so obscenely terrible...

[@mushtaqurrehman3805]

Wonderful tunnel system they had built, but despite that strong fortification they lost the war,,,,,

[@ldnwholesale8552]

Guernsey must be about the most over defended place in the world. There was a military emplacement probably every 200 yards around most of the island. Not just from WW2 but over the centuries. Some of which were repurposed by the Germans and others ignored. Along the beach fronts you can see where many machine guns were. Many German buildings are still in good order, others falling down. Depends where they were. And in some cases how good the concrete was. Some was obviously very poor quality.

[@Locutus]

Try Albania and Hoxa's bunkers....

[@VivicaGsy]

The thumbnail for this video was quite literally at my house.

[@jakebastian6726]

I'm writing a story taking place in Guersey. Can someone discuss some questions with me?

[@JI_Boi]

The wall said red rum 😂

[@timganotis7875]

Can barely hear what they're saying in the bunker

[@moistglue1520]

I would suggest going to jersey as typically I’d say there is more to offer as it’s bigger. We also have an underground hospital built by slaves brought over by the nazis as well as medieval castles and an offshore castle and forts for the napoleonic wars as well as playing a role in the English civil war

[@malcolmchapman3213]

There is an underground hospital in Guernsey.

[@Hebesphenomegacorona]

We have an underground hospital too bro

[@1watsonwatson]

Blimey, Dan Snow looks VERY ill

[@tohruadachisnosehairs]

Ayo I live here

[@Charge0Complete]

Flip-flops??? C'mon man, show some class

[@alexwilliamson1486]

I know! Because every time he’s done any history programmes, I’ve noticed the best ones he does, are always when his feet are encased in proper footwear…🙄

[@Charge0Complete]

@Real Aiglon c'mon now, you can defend flip-flops all you want but you know better

[@IronWarhorsesFun]

remmeber, everything the nazis made especially these massive bunker complexes where made using HUMAN SUFFERING as fuel.

[@jeanlongsden1696]

you need to do a bit of research. as French and local contractors helped build the bunkers in the Channel Islands. Organization Todt brought very few Russian slaves to the islands.

[@PhillRobinson]

But they couldn't protect it from mindless graffiti ?

[@askedhachker5389]

NEVIN 👑🌎🌍 King dom royal savoy

[@askedhachker5389]

🇬🇬🇩🇪🇵🇹🇫🇷🌎california guersey Freeman's

[@BS-qg4ep]

Please make more nazi material available. Thank you.

[@Greenjohnable]

Why is Dan wearing flip flops? Dosnt seem like the proper footwear.

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

I remember something about this, it was an exchange from Neville Chamberlain sad pathetic appeasement for Hitler as he left office.

[@askedhachker5389]

California 👨‍🌾👩‍🌾👉🇮🇹🇩🇪🇵🇹🇫🇷

[@HoodSZN1]

digital footprint

[@askedhachker5389]

Cty guersey losangles

[@billigerfusel]

What a huge waste of money

[@askedhachker5389]

7% 🇺🇲

[@askedhachker5389]

2024 King dom NEVIN guersey Cty losangles 🇬🇬republic of guersey RCA NCA ACA 👉🌎

[@hiramabiff2017]

One of the guys on our construction team is from Jersey and has a annoying habit of repeating how lovely it is to live there. We counter that annoyance by constantly reminding him about the channel Islands collaboration with the Germans using local police to round up the Jews for deporting. Just like the French did, en mass.

[@TheIsemgrim]

dont forget the dutch. and the belgiums and luxembourgians. or any other country that was occupied and where the police was told by the government in exile to work with the germans. so they would minimise the civilian deaths. and besides that. the occupied people never knew what was gonna happen after people got deported.

[@Vegas_Des]

Based

[@hiramabiff2017]

@@TheIsemgrim Yep, your 100% correct. The very fact it was neighbours and friends in occupied countries that turned in so many Jews in hiding to the Gestapo is a unspoken testament to how untrustworthy humanity truly is and what a selective memory many nations have to their part in helping darkness engulf the world.

[@hiramabiff2017]

@@Vegas_Des 😆😅🤣😂Like that actually mean's something. 🤡

[@larsrons7937]

On either Jersey or Guernsey (I forgot which) there was a local woman (noble, I believe) who maintained a "friendly" relation with the German occupiers (meaning they had to kiss her hand when they met), as well as arranging with the Germans _NOT_ to take the local Jew but let him live in peace all through the war. Perhaps someone else knows where this was?

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

The duke and Duchess of Windsor favorite dictator.

[@andygill9783]

Shame full

[@hughjarse4627]

Such Interesting content but such boring videos

[@huntersmith8153]

Well as every one can see now the Germans are going to have to decide again what side are they going to be on ..what if germany decides to be on russia side ....and Japan decides to be on china side .. and the jews just watch and laugh 😅🤣😂

[@askedhachker5389]

Freeman's guersey 2023-2024 King balwin King Alexander III 👑🇺🇲⛑️🤴👲royal hasburg 🌍🌎🌏👉✍️🇬🇬⛑️👲🤴🌎🌍King dom NEVIN royal savoy

[@mephisxx]

dan Snow should realise that his voice is not fit for documentary dubbing. the way the documentary starts with his voice is near unbearable. please, use a professional to do this.

[@skepticalbadger]

Dan IS a professional. He's starred in many TV documentaries. I have no idea what your issue is.

[@kingsford73]

I'm visiting the island on my ps4 ( sniper elete 5 ) unfortunately for me the place is full of Germans, but don't worry I'll be spreading my message of freedom forthwith.

[@johnsargeant4797]

ah the early days of the EU.