Jersey Under the Swastika - V The Royal Court and the States Assembly

Continuing the occasional transcription of Ralph Mollet's account of the Occupation of Jersey, this extract looks at the Government of the Island.

The beginnings of Occupation saw very much "business as usual". The Germans were keen to show that this was, in the memorable title of Madeline Bunting's book, "A Model Occupation". As Colin Platt noted in "A Concise History of Jersey":

As the victims supposedly of a colonial regime, [Islanders] were at first given almost anything they wanted. 'We shall be only too pleased', said the new Kommandant, `to see normal trading re-established between the two Islands.' Prayers for the Royal Family and the British Empire were permitted in Jersey's churches; wirelesses were still allowed; and the cinemas and other places of entertainment remained open. In civil government also, the Germans were happy to leave most administrative matters to local people, while reserving the right to try military offences and to veto any new legislation.

Of course, some of that was to change very much to the worse, but having a local administration meant that the German's could hold the Channel Islands up as a model of how Britain would be treated, that everything would go on much as before (apart from the limitations imposed by war). It was very like "nothing has changed in Austria" , which is the memorable phrase used which sums up the German takeover of Austria in the film "The Sound of Music.". Mollet notes that there were no elections for Deputies during the Occupation - the "model" had limitations where democracy was concerned.

So we see in Mollet's account that the Royal Court still continued, with the Royal Mace and unchanged deeds mentioning the monarch. It could certainly be argued that the harshness of sentences carried out in German courts would have been worse, as indeed they were for those later caught and found guilty of wireless infractions once wirelesses were forbidden.

Mollet's "notable case" is interesting. Meat was evidently scarce, but there are intriguing unanswered questions - did those who bought the horse meat on the black market know that was what they were buying, or had the butcher sold it as something else?

The sentence, involving "hard labour", is a sign of the times. Hard labour and penal servitude was not abolished in Jersey until the Criminal Justice (Jersey) Law of 1957 (it was removed in 1948 in the UK under the Criminal Justice Act 1948), but the death penalty was only abolished by the Homicide (Jersey) Law 1986 and the Genocide (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 1987, long after the UK abolished it in 1969. As usual, Jersey lagged behind the UK significantly.

But it was not until the tidying up of the Jersey law with the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) in 2007 that all references to hard labour and corporal punishment would actually be removed from the statutes.

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Jersey Under the Swastika by Ralph Mollet
V THE ROYAL COURT AND THE STATES ASSEMBLY

During the whole period of occupation the Bailiff presided resided as usual over the Royal Court with the Royal Mace before him.

Owing to the buses arriving in at. Helier at 10 a.m., and Central European Time being enforced, the sittings of the Court commenced at 10.30 a.m., and the "contracts" or deeds were passed before the Royal Court on alternate Saturdays at 11.30 a.m. The heading of the "contracts" was not altered, viz

" A Tous Ceux Qui ces presentes Lettres verront ou orront Alexander Moncrieff Coutanche, Ecuier, Bailli de l'lle de Jersey sous notre Souverain Sire George Six, par la grace de Dieu Roi de la Grande Bretagne, de l'Irlande, et des Dominions Britanniques d'outre mer, Defenseur de la Foi, Empereur des Indes. Salut en Dieu."

The criminal cases arose generally out of infractions of the rationing and agricultural regulations, robberies, and black-market activities. A notable case was one in which a butcher bought a horse for £200, slaughtered it, and sold the meat in the black-market ; he was fined £500, with imprisonment for one month with hard labour for slaughtering an animal without a licence.

The first day of Term was 12th September, 1940. The Advocates renewed their oaths of office on the First Day of Term instead of at the 'Cour d'Heritage.'

The Criminal Assizes were held when necessary, but the restricted transport, the regulations governing rationing, and the lack of hotel accommodation caused the sittings to be suspended daily at 4.30 p.m., and the jurymen had to return to their homes daily during the Assize.

The States Assembly met about twenty times, permission to assemble being first obtained from the Field Command, to whom the minutes were submitted wards for approval.

The General Election for Deputies which was due in December, 1940, was deferred for a year, and that order was repeated each year, as no public election can be held during an Occupation. The parish meetings were held as usual, and elections of parochial officers were permitted at these meetings.

Jersey Under the Swastika - IV The Occupation

Continuing the occasional transcription of Ralph Mollet's account of the Occupation of Jersey, this extract takes us up to the point when the Island was occupied.

"He asked me how long the British had occupied the Island. I replied that we conquered England in 1066. He smiled."

Ralph Mollet's reply to the German Officer is one that, as a schoolboy, I learnt as a commonplace piece of Jersey lore, because of course, Jersey had been part of Normandy. But until fairly recently, I didn't know exactly how substantial that claim was - if it was, for instance, just a claim that Jersey was part of Normandy, and hence as the Normans invaded England, so Jersey was part of that by proxy. In fact, as Rosemary Hampton shows in "A Jersey Family", there were Jersey families who went over to England at the time of the conquest.

In 2005, as part of the local Senatorial elections, there was a referendum on whether Jersey should adopt Central European time. This was rejected by by 72.4% of those who voted. The proposition itself, and most of the arguments, scarcely mentioned the Occupation - I have had a quick skim of the news stories, and there is no mention there of the Occupation in all the main stories and reports. And yet the Island did have Central European Time during the Occupation. During a period when links with England were cut off, and most communication, especially by the German forces, was to Europe, this made a lot of sense, more so than it did recently. The German Officer (Captain Gussek) seems to have been unaware of Jersey following British time, which led to a mix up on times with him meeting the Bailiff.

There was promptly a raft of orders, of which the most significant as far as the Island's governance was concerned, was that the orders would be "registered in the records of the Island of Jersey" and "Offences against the same, saving those punishable under German Military Law, shall be punishable by the Civil Courts". This neatly placed part of the responsibility for compliance with German orders in the hands of the Jersey authorities, and led to what Paul Sanders called "the corrosive character of Nazi rule" where "many administrations that started out with a pristine record became increasingly tainted as they went along with incessant German demands, trapping themselves into logics which they had not foreseen and which offered
no exit.".

A case which exemplifies this is given by Sanders:

While investigating a robbery in late May 1943 the St Saviour's honorary police received information from neighbours that a James Davey had one or more wireless sets at his residence. And indeed, when they followed up this information, they discovered three wireless sets, two of which were the property of a second man, Frederick Page..... The police now faced the dilemma of either submitting a report which might lead to the prosecution of a fellow islander or running the risk of a denunciation to the Germans that the island police were defying their orders; the likelihood of which was increased by the fact that the police investigations emerged from a neighbour's quarrel and that the discovery of the wireless sets was known and generally talked about. The dilemma was aggravated by the fact that since the passing of an 'Order for the Protection of the Occupying Authorities [sic]', on 18 December 1942, the authorities were obliged - under threat of punishment - to signal to the Germans all information which came to their attention bearing a relation to infractions of German orders.(1)

This was the dark side of the Occupation, that the forces of justice were co-opted into working with the Germans. The notion, as expressed in the Jersey Law Review of 2004, that the Islands "are entitled to take pride in legal systems which have an unbroken history of at least 800 years"(1) airbrushes out these five dark years, when the legal systems were twisted and bound under the Nazi yoke.

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Jersey Under The Swastika by Ralph Mollet
IV THE OCCUPATION

When a German airman saw the signs of surrender, he landed at the air port, and was told that the Island was ready to comply with the terms offered, and at 3.30 p.m. another plane landed, and asked for the Bailiff to meet a certain number of planes at 4.30 p.m.

The Bailiff, the Attorney-General, and the Government Secretary met the planes at the air port. The German Commander Obernitz was in charge. When the Bailiff; returned to his chambers, he said that a German officer would arrive at the chambers at to a.m. the next day.

The Occupying Force, all air borne, of about 100 men was under the command of Hauptmann Gussek. The Attorney - General then conducted the officers to the Post Office Instrument Room (communication with England had been cut off at 8.15 a.m.), and to the Town Hall (to be occupied as the Military Headquarters), and obtained billets for the men at various hotels.

The day passed without alarms, and was a relief, as the tension during the last few days had been very great, almost equal to the days of the panic of the previous week

Tuesday, July 2nd. The white flag was flying on all public buildings and the majority of houses throughout the Island, and early in the morning troops with machine guns were already posted at various parts of the town.

When I arrived in the Square at 9 a.m. I saw a German officer with a civilian (a local German resident, C. Specker) walking up and down the Square. A resident came up, and told me that the German officer was looking for the Bailiff. I made myself known to this officer Captain Gussek, through his interpreter. The Captain saluted and shook hands. I said that the Bailiff expected him at 10 o'clock. He replied that it was already 10 a.m., Central European Time. I at once conducted him to the Bailiff's chambers; my feelings and thoughts were difficult to describe. He asked me how long the British had occupied the Island. I replied that we conquered England in 1066. He smiled. He produced to me an ordnance map of Jersey, and asked where he could obtain similar maps. I sent the porter out to purchase some; he said he would pay for them. The Bailiff arrived shortly afterwards, and together with the Attorney-General, the Government Secretary, and some other officials, conferred with Capt. Gussek. The Bailiff then came out and said in a loud voice: "Haul down the Flag of Surrender." I passed this on to the States Engineer and to the houses situated in the vicinity, and in a short time the flags were hauled down. A German Flag was hoisted at the Fort Regent Signal Post for one day, and then it was flown at the Albert Pier Head permanently, as well as at the Town Hall; no flag was flown at the Court House.

The following orders were then issued by Capt. Gussek:

1 All inhabitants must be indoors by 11 p.m. and must not leave their homes before 5 a.m.
2. We will respect the population of Jersey; but, should anyone attempt to cause the least trouble, serious measures will .be taken.
3. All orders given by the Military Authority are to be strictly obeyed.
4. All spirits must be locked up immediately, and no spirits may be supplied, obtained, or consumed henceforth. This prohibition does not apply to stocks in private houses.
5. No person shall enter the Aerodrome at St. Peter.
6. All Rifles, Airguns, Revolvers, Daggers, Sporting Guns, and all other Weapons whatsoever, except Souvenirs, must, together with all Ammunition, be delivered at the Town Arsenal by 12 (noon) tomorrow, July 3rd.
7. All British Sailors, Airmen, and Soldiers on leave, including Officers, in this Island must report at the Commandant's Office, Town Hall, at 10 a.m. tomorrow, July 3rd.
8. No boat or vessel of any description, including any fishing boat, shall leave the Harbours or any other place where the same is moored, without an Order from the Military Authority, to be obtained at the Commandant's Office, Town Hall. All Boats arriving in Jersey must remain in Harbour until permitted by the Military to leave. The crews will remain on board. The Master will report to the Harbour Master, St. Helier, and will obey his instructions.
9. The Sale of Motor Spirit is prohibited, except for use on Essential Services, such as Doctors' Vehicles, the Delivery of Foodstuffs, and Sanitary Services, where such vehicles are in possession of a permit from the Military Authority to obtain supplies. THE USE OF CARS FOR PRIVATE PURPOSES IS FORBIDDEN.
10. The Black-out Regulations already in force must be obeyed as before.
11. Banks and Shops will be open as before.
12. In order to conform with Central European Time all watches and clocks must be advanced one hour at 11 pm TONIGHT
13. It is forbidden to listen to any Wireless Transmitting Stations, except German and German-Controlled Stations.
14. The raising of Prices of Commodities is forbidden.

The German Commandant of the Island of Jersey
July 2nd, 1940

The next day all members of the British Forces paraded at the Town Hall, nearly all in civilian dress, mostly men who had crossed during the evacuation to see what had become of their relatives, and had been caught here. About ninety gave in their names, and paraded each day, until they were interned in the camp at Grouville, and then sent on to Germany as Prisoners of War on the 27th July. The next few days the population began to settle down, the Bailiff being in daily conference with the Commandant at the Town Hall.

On July the 8th the following Proclamation was issued:

Orders of the Commandant of the German Forces in Occupation of the Bailiwick of Jersey. Dated the 8th day of July, 1940.

1. The German Commandant is in close touch with the Civil Authorities and acknowledges their loyal co-operation.
2. The Civil Government and Courts of the Island will continue to function as heretofore, save that all. Laws, Ordinances, Regulations, and Orders will be submitted to the German Commandant before being enacted.
3. Such legislation as, in the past, required the Sanction of His Britannic Majesty in Council for its validity, shall henceforth be valid on being approved by the German Commandant, and thereafter sanctioned by the Bailiff of Jersey.
4. The Orders of the German Commandant, heretofore, now, and hereafter issued, shall in due course be registered in the records of the Island of Jersey, in order that no person may plead ignorance thereof. Offences against the same, saving those punishable under German Military Law, shall be punishable by the Civil Courts, who shall enact suitable penalties in respect of such offences, with the approval of the German Commandant.
5. Assemblies in Churches and Chapels for the purpose of Divine Worship are permitted. Prayers for the British Royal Family and for the welfare of the British Empire may be said. Church Bells may ring ten minutes before Service. Such Assemblies shall not be made the medium for any propaganda or utterances against the honour or interests of, or offensive to, the German Government or Forces.
6. Cinemas, Concerts, and other Entertainments are permitted, subject to the conditions set out in Order No. 5 above.
7. Prices must not be increased or decreased. Any shopkeeper offending against this order is liable to have his shop closed, and also to pay any fine that may be imposed by the Competent Authorities.
8. The sale and consumption of wines, beer, and cider is permitted in such premises as are licensed; by the Civil Authorities.
9. Holders of Licences for the sale of such intoxicating liquors (wines, beer, or cider) shall take the most rigid precautions for the prevention of drunkenness. If drunkenness takes place on such licensed premises, then without prejudice; to any other civil penalty the Island Police shall and are hereby empowered to close the premises.
10. All traffic between Jersey and Guernsey is prohibited, whether direct or indirect, for the time being (other Regulations will follow).
11. The Rate of Exchange between the Reichsmark and the Pound has been fixed at Eight Marks to the Pound.
12. The Continuance of the privileges granted to the civilian population is dependent upon their good behaviour. Military necessity however may from time to time require the Orders now in force to be made for stringent.

For and on behalf of the German Commandant of the Channel Islands
(Signed) Gussek, Hauptmann, Commandant, Jersey

The first Departmental Order to be signed by the Commandant Gussek was on the 5th July, 1940, and the minutes of the States held that day were also the first to be signed by him.

The following important order was made, as the German Army of Occupation soon began to purchase wines, spirits, cigars, cigarettes, and tobacco, as well as clothing, boots, and shoes, and all sorts of articles from the well-stocked shops of St. Helier. They paid in Reichsmarks.

Order of the Commandant of the German Troops in Occupation in Jersey.

IMPORTANT NOTICE.

Shopkeepers of the Island of Jersey are notified that I have informed the members of the German Forces in the Island they must not purchase more than
50 Cigarettes or 25 Cigars
1 bottle of Wine or 2 bottles of Beer to take away for their own consumption.
3 Shirts, Collars, and Ties.

Only one suit length of cloth allowed per man. All purchases must be restricted in quantity as above. In the event of a larger quantity being required, an Order will be issued by myself.

No foodstuffs, other than fruit, biscuits, confectionery, may be bought by any soldier.

In case of doubt the matter must be referred to the Commandant, who will give a decision.
(Signed) GUSSEK, HAUPTMANN,
Commandant of the Island of Jersey.

The Jersey Chamber of Commerce urges the Trading Community to assist the German Commandant in the strict observance of the Order.
St. Helier, 11th July, 1940

The next day, 12th July, cars were requisitioned by the Air Force and painted grey, preference being given to American makes. On the 13th July a ship arrived from Granville, and this was the commencement of a constant traffic of ships carrying men and material to and from Jersey. Films arrived on the 14th, and postal communication with Guernsey was restored. On the 16th the German Commandant allowed listening in to all stations. On the 17th the German Island Harbour Commandant took over the Harbour Control at the Entry Dues Office; this was later transferred to the Pomme d'Or Hotel.

The Deutsche Inselzeitung was first published on the 22nd July under the editorship of Dr. H. Kindt. It was a daily paper, in German, printed at the office of the Evening Post for the use of the troops in the Island.

The States ordered a census of the population to taken; this was carried out on the 10th August, 1940 and resulted in a total of 41,101.

Capt. Gussek remained in the Island until the 19th September, 1940, when he left for service elsewhere. He was a very successful officer, and earned the respect the inhabitants. He resided at Government House. His civil duties were 'taken over by the Field Command 515, which arrived on the 9th August, 1940. His military duties were taken over by Prince Zu Waldeck, who resided at Thornton Hall. On the 27th September, 1940, Graf von Schmettow was appointed Commander of the Fortress of Jersey, with his office at "Monaco", St. Saviour's Road, transferred later to the Metropole Hotel: Roseville Street : he resided at Government House.

On 23rd July, 1941, the office at the Town Hall was transferred to the Terminus Hotel, Weighbridge, and became the Standortkommandantur, responsible for the billeting of the troops. The troops on their arrival were directed to their billets by the Standortkommandant.

Links
(1) http://www.jerseyheritage.org/templates/jerseyheritage/occupation_memorial/historybook/occupationhistorychapter2.pdf
(2) http://www.jerseylaw.je/Publications/jerseylawreview/feb04/JLR0402_Miscellany.aspx

Jersey Under the Swastika - III The Utimatum and Surrender

Continuing the occasional transcription of Ralph Mollet's account of the Occupation of Jersey, this extract takes us up to the point when the Island was occupied.

It has been a while since I've re-read any histories of the Occupation, and what I find striking in Mollet's account (though no doubt also in other accounts) is the singular lack of good communication with the Germans. The Islands had been demilitarized, but no one seems to have been able or checked that the Germans had this message. One would have thought it would be easy enough to broadcast the fact on the wireless, or to use a neutral country to get the message through.

Instead, the Jersey authorities seem to have waited for the Germans to get in touch with them, leading to bombing raids, destruction of property and loss of life. Did the Jersey government assume the British government had notified Germany? Did the British government fail to do so effectively? From other accounts, it seems that the British government decided to keep the demilitarization a secret from the German forces, and there was no enquiry as to why this omission, which seems incredibly stupid, was taken.

So when the German officials did send a message - "I intend to neutralize military establishments in Jersey by occupation" - it was clear they had no notification at all, and threatened "heavy bombardment".

Ralph Mollet's account mentions as before that "many people left to sleep in the country". Unfortunately this account is extremely sparse, and I would have liked more detail as to exactly where they went and what they did. Did they just sleep out in the open (it was, after all, summer and fine weather)? How did they get there? And how far out was considered "country"? How, in fact, does Mollet know this?

"In case of peaceful surrender; the lives, property, and liberty of peaceful inhabitants are solemnly guaranteed." said the notice. In fact, of course, there was to be a steady erosion of liberties under German rule.

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Jersey Under The Swastika by Ralph Mollet
III THE ULTIMATUM AND SURRENDER

ON Friday the 28th June and during the two previous days German planes flew over the Island, very low at times. The shipping continued to leave with cargoes of, potatoes, and the mail steamer left as usual in the afternoon. About 6.55 p.m. on the 28th, three German planes flew over La Rocque, machine-gunning the district and dropping two 50 lb. H.E. bombs on the road near the Harbour. Mr. John Adams (an Air Raid Warden) was killed on his doorstep, whilst Mr. Thomas Pilkington and Mrs. Farrell were killed by bullets, when sitting on a form in the vicinity.

The planes flew over Samarès, firing as they went; over Havre des Pas the bullets were seen ploughing the sand on the beach ; two bombs were dropped on Mount Bingham, killing Mr. John Ph. Mauger near his house, and damaging many houses near by. Two fell on the Fort and the District Office, and others fell in the Old Harbour, setting fire to many small boats. The planes then went over the Island to St. Ouen, returning to St. Helier, machine-gunning the Albert and North Piers, dropping bombs on Commercial Buildings, setting fire to Norman's wood-stores. The furze on Fort Regent caught fire and burnt for several days. The planes, after again machine-gunning various parts of the Island, then dropped two bombs on the Yacht Hotel and two on the Pomme d'Or Hotel. Messrs. Robert Fallls, Leslie Bryan, and W. C. Moodie were killed on the piers, and Messrs. F. W. Ferrand and Wm. A. Coleman in Mulcaster Street. Many other persons were wounded and taken to the General Hospital.

Mr. Harold F. Hobbs was killed in the Guernsey life-boat when off Noirmont on its way to Jersey-

A telegram reporting the raid was sent to the Home Office ; this was the last communication sent to the British Government. Jersey was not declared " an Open Town" by the B.B.C. until three hours after the raid. Many people again left the town to sleep in the country.

On the following Saturday, -19th June, and Sunday, there were several alarms, and everyone was rather nervous and anxious as to what would happen next. All shipping had left the harbour on Friday evening; the cables to Guernsey and England were still in use.

'On the 1st July, at 5.30 a.m., planes flew low over the town and airport, dropping copies of an ultimatum. One landed in Bath Street and two at the airport. The police of St. Helier and Mr. Roche, Controller of the airport, took them at once to the Bailiff. The message was as follows :-

TRANSLATION

1st July, 1940-

To the Chief of the Military and Civil Authorities.

Jersey (St. Helier).

1. I intend to neutralize military establishments in Jersey by occupation.

2. As evidence that the Island will surrender the military and other establishments without resistance and without destroying them, a large White Cross is to be shown as follows, from 7 a.m., July 2nd, 1940.

a. In the centre of the air port in the East of the Island.
b. On the highest point of the fortifications of the port.
c. On the square to the north of the Inner Basin of the Harbour.

Moreover all fortifications, buildings, establishments and houses are to show the White Flag.

3. If these signs of peaceful surrender are not observed by 7 a.m., July 2nd, heavy bombardment will take place,

a. Against all military objects.
b. Against all establishments and objects useful for defence.

4. The signs of surrender must remain up to the time of the occupation of the Island by German troops.

5. Representatives of the Authorities must stay at the air port until the Occupation.

6. All Radio traffic and other communication with Authorities outside the Island will be considered hostile actions and will be followed by bombardment.

7. Every hostile action against my representatives will be followed by bombardment.

8. In case of peaceful surrender; the lives, property, and liberty of peaceful inhabitants are solemnly guaranteed.

The Commander of the German Air Forces in Normandy,
RICHTHOFEN,
General.

The Bailiff immediately summoned the Royal Court at 9.30 a.m., and the States to meet later. The States then made an Act to comply with the terms of the ultimatum. :--

Copies of the translation of the ultimatum were printed and posted up in all parts of the Island with the following footnote :-

"The States have ordered this Communication to be printed and posted forthwith, and charge the inhabitants to keep calm, to comply with the requirements of the Communication, and to offer no resistance whatsoever to the occupation of the Island."

Large white flags were hoisted on all public buildings, and white flags of various materials were flown from the majority of the houses, whilst white crosses were painted in the Square and at the places mentioned in the ultimatum.

Jersey with her centuries of attachment to the British Crown, was forced reluctantly to surrender to the enemy.

Jersey Under the Swastika - II Evacuation

Continuing the occasional transcription of Ralph Mollet's account of the Occupation of Jersey, this extract takes us up to the point just before the Occupation proper.

It is interesting to see that Jersey had its own equivalent of a "phony war", with trenches and defenses being set up in the Island, and the urban population periodically evacuating to the countryside, before it was finally decided that the Island could not be defended.

The change from a Committee based system of Government to a Departmental one may well bring a sense of familiarity to the reader, as we have ourselves in recent years, experienced a transition to Ministerial Government, with quite a different style. The difference, of course, is that this was an emergency measure, designed for the contingency of war. But it is interesting to wonder "what if?" this had led to a more centralised precursor to our present system after the war, rather than (as happened) a reversion to Committee Government. It would not have been impossible - after all, the Attlee Government in the United Kingdom drew very much on the experienced of centralised wartime  planning in a way that pre-war governments had not.

My own grandparents, and my mother and sister decided quite early on to remain here during the Occupation, being very much those "who had their roots in the soil", as my grandfather was secretary to the RJ&HS . They were not caught up in the panic of those trying to leave, or deciding to leave, and then changing their minds.

The official line throughout was one of calm, telling islanders that there would very likely be only a token German force, and "they could rest assured such occupation would not be of long duration". From the panic, it seems clear that many islanders were not convinced by the assurances of the authorities, and it became clear in hindsight that they were right not to be. Official assurances, then as now, were not always reliable.

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Jersey Under The Swastika by Ralph Mollet

II THE EVACUATION
 
On Sunday, the 9th June, 1940, a dark pall of smoke covered the, sky, coming from the East at about noon, and cleared away to the West late in the evening; it must have been the burning of a petrol supply dump in France during the retreat of the Allies. The black cloud seemed like an omen.
 
On the 11th, the. States met and restricted the use of motor vehicles between midnight and 5 a.m. The next day the news of the occupation of Paris by the. Germans came as a shock to Jersey, many residents started leaving for the mainland and, and troops were sent to Jersey to cover the retreat of the British Expeditionary Force from Normandy through Cherbourg, St. Malo, and Brest. The Lieut.-Governor, Major-General J. M. R. Harrison, C.B., D.S.O., gave orders to have hospitals ready to receive wounded, and sent all available craft to clear the beaches on the French coast. On Saturday the 15th, thousands of British troops, ammunition, and stores were landed in Jersey. The Evening Post stated in a leading article : " We are officially informed that the whole question of the defence-in the widest sense of the word--of this Island is receiving the urgent consideration of His Majesty's Government, who are in possession of the whole of the facts, and will decide the appropriate action which the strategic situation requires. This statement, we trust, will reassure our readers, who will realize that this vital matter is safe in the hands of those most competent to know how it should be dealt with."
 
The next day the troops dug trenches and set up defences in various parts of the Island. At 1.30 p.m. Air Raid Wardens were ordered to stand by. Each mail-boat took a fill complement of persons to the mainland. On Monday the 17th, heavy gun fire was heard all day. The States met and the Lieut.-Governor made a statement as to the situation. Saint Helier was to be evacuated. Many townsfolk went to sleep in the country. A curfew was ordered from 9 p.m. The next day the evacuation of the- B.E.F. from France was completed.
 
The Germans were occupying Cherbourg and Rennes. The Bailiff told me that the British had decided not to attempt to defend the Channel Islands, and we would be compelled to surrender to the Germans, if they came; those who wished to leave would be evacuated by the British Government. 'I understood that the Lieut.-Governor did not expect the Germans to occupy the Island, and that, if they did, it would mean a nominal occupation by a few hundred men. The States decided that no one could take away from the Island more than twenty-five pounds in cash.
 
Wednesday the 19th was the climax. The Lieut.-Governor informed the Assembly of the States, that the British Government had given him orders to demilitarize the Island immediately, as it was not in the interest of the war to defend the Channel Islands. The Home Office was arranging to evacuate the bulk of those who wished to go; but he felt sure that those who had their roots in the soil would not want to leave. He further said that the Island might be occupied by the enemy. His Majesty's Government hoped that it would not; but they could rest assured such occupation would not be of long duration. When this information reached the public, a considerable amount of panic ensued. A register was immediately instituted at the Town Hall for the names of those who wished to leave the Island, and a long queue of people five and six deep extended as far as the Opera House, Gloucester Street, some standing for at least ten hours; 23,063 registered their names, almost two-thirds of whom subsequently changed their minds, and decided to remain. The telephones were working without cessation, trunk calls and telegrams were very long in transmission. Everyone was asking his neighbour what he was going to do. Many buried their valuables. The sound of gun fire ceased in the evening, and a considerable proportion of the population of St. Helier slept in the country.
 
Thursday the 20th. The panic was at its height. Long queues of cars were waiting to take their occupants to board the Government ships. The following list of ships sailed from Saint Helier with evacuees:--
 
On the 20th ,June,1940:- S S. Archangel; Antiquity; Autocarrier; Broomfeld; The Baron; Coral; Hodder; Malines; Nagtira; Perelle; Porthmorna; St. Sedan; Seaville; Suffolk Coast; Stork; West Coaster. (16).
On the 21st June, 1940:--S.S. Atlantic; Brittany; Caribin; Despatch; Dominion; Felspar; Fintain; Gorecht; Hindsrig, Isle of Sark; Maidstone; Ringwood; Shepperton Ferry; Vega; Whitstable. (15)
 
All the troops left, including the Island Militia. Crowds of people gathered around the banks, withdrawals were limited to twenty-five pounds in notes. To calm the people the following declaration was made, signed, and published:--
 
"At this anxious hour we wish the people of this Island to know, for their guidance and assistance in the decision, which each must take for himself and his own, that we are remaining at our posts to carry on our respective duties, and that we are, all of us who have them or either of them, keeping with us in this Island our wives and families.
 
A. M. Coutanche, Bailiff ; P. de C. Le Cornu, P. E. Bree, Lieut.-Bailiffs ; P. M. Baudains, J. M. Norman, E. P. Le Masurier, A. Luxon, E. A. Dorey, F. V. Le Feuvre, S. Hocquard, E. G. Labey, P. N. Gallichan, T. J. Bree, Jurats ; C. W. Duret Aubin (Attorney-General) ; C. S. Le Gros (Vicomte) ; C. S. Harrison   (Solicitor-General)."
 
Friday the 21st. The evacuation concluded during the afternoon, and the total amounted to 8,600. Some waited to go by the mailboat, which was still running to Southampton every other day. About 4,500 left by the mail steamer and air services during the month.
 
During the morning a naval auxiliary ship arrived, and H.E. the Lieut.-Governor, Mrs. Harrison, and Major Clark bade farewell to the Bailiff and other officials on the pier, and left the Island on this ship. The Government Secretary, Col. H. H. Hulton, D.S.O., remained. (He died 7th December, 1940)
 
The Bailiff returned to the Royal Court House and was sworn in as Civil Lieutenant-Governor.
 
The following letter was read to the Royal Court:--
 
Home Office,
Whitehall,
19th June, 1940
Sir,

I am directed by the Secretary of State to say that, in the event of your recall, it is desired by His Majesty's Government that the Bailiff should discharge the duties of Lieutenant-Governor, which would be confined to civil duties, and that he should stay at his post and administer the government of the Island to the best of his abilities in the interests of the inhabitants, whether or not he is in a position to receive instructions from His Majesty's Government.
 
The Crown Officers also should remain at their posts.
I am, Sir,
 
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) A. MAXWELL.
The Lieut.-Governor,
Government Office,
Jersey-
 
As soon as His, Excellency left the island, the last civilian plane left the airport (Pilot Harrison).
 
As the day ended the population became calmer. On the piers and at the airport large numbers of cars were found abandoned by the evacuees, and were gradually .reclaimed by their friends who were looking after their effects.
On Saturday the 22nd the run on the banks still continued, but the panic subsided and calmness became more apparent. Shops reopened, and people paid in money to the banks.
 
The States met and authorized the Constables to enter unoccupied or abandoned houses to save all perishable goods and attend to animals. Many people had left in the midst of a meal, and others simply jumped out of bed, collected a few things, and fled to the ships.
 
The States met again on the 24th, and received the following Royal Message
 
From the King to the Bails of Jersey and Guernsey.
 
For strategic reasons it has been found necessary to withdraw the armed forces from the Channel Islands. I deeply regret this necessity, and I wish to assure My people in the Islands that in taking this decision My Government have not been unmindful of their position. It is in their interest that this step' should be taken in present circumstances.
 
The long association of the Islands with the Crown and the loyal service the people of the Islands have rendered to My Ancestors and Myself are guarantees that the link between us will remain unbroken, and I know that My people in the Islands will look forward with the same confidence as I do, to the day when the resolute fortitude, with which we face our present difficulties, will reap the reward of victory.
 
The message was published in the Royal Square, posted on the Monument, and in the Parish Church Notice Boxes. It was not published in the Press.
 
At the same sitting of the States it was resolved to form a Superior Council
 
"Having regard to the gravity of the hour and to the political and economic situation, resolved to set up eight Departments as follows: 1. Essential Commodities. 2. Transport and Communications. 3. Finance and Economics. 4. Agriculture. 5. Public Health. 6. Essential Services. 7. Public Instruction; and 8. Labour.
 
"These Departments to take the place of the various Committees.
 
The Presidents of the Departments as well as the Law Officers of the Crown to form a Council under the Bailiff as President of the Council, to take into consideration the problems arising from the present situation, and to make to the States, from time to time, such recommendations as it thinks necessary in order to meet those problems."
 
The President said he was anxious to prevent all alarms, and to reassure the public that they were adopting the best form of temporary government. Nothing which it was proposed to do would interfere with the liberties of the House or of the Island. What they had done that day could be undone tomorrow, if the House felt inclined to do so. There was nothing in the Act which did not leave the Constitution the same as they found it at the beginning of their deliberations.
 
On the 26th potatoes were again shipped, and the Island began to settle down awaiting events. - All documents and papers that might give information to the enemy or cause offence to Germany and the German people were burnt by the various departments and by private individuals.
 
Several thousand pet animals were destroyed at the Animals' Shelter.
 
The Evacuation was purely voluntary. States Officials were expected to obtain permission before leaving. Only two members of the States, the Constable of St. Saviour (Major L. T. Anthoine) and the Deputy of St. Brelade (Capt. R. E. B. Voisin) left the Island with their regiment, the Royal Militia. The Constable was ordered by the Attorney General to resume his post when he should return to the Island. When he did return, he was made a Prisoner of War, and was transferred to Germany.

Jersey Under the Swastika - Introduction

By way of a change this year, I will be posting occasional extracts from "Jersey Under the Swastika" by Ralph Mollet, which was published in 1945, partly after the Occupation ended, and constructed from his own diary and official notices.

Mollet had been the private secretary to three successive Bailiffs over a period of twenty years, and it should be noted that this is not just an "objective history" (if such a thing can be said to exist, which I doubt), but a history with a definite purpose - "it may serve to vindicate the Island Officials from much criticism and the repetition of untruths to which they were subjected." Such criticism has largely, but not entirely, vanished from the record, as it consisted, as G.R. Balleine observed, largely of unsubstantiated gossip - "information received on high authority from the cousin of the laundress who takes in the washing of the Bailiff's".

But in 1945, just after the Occupation, feelings on the matter could still be strong, and it is hard to realise quite how much criticism was passed on about the Island authorities. Even in the 1960s, I was told (by word of mouth, as part of the oral culture), that the Bailiff had been alright during the Occupation because of his black market dealings. In fact, no evidence has ever turned up to show this to be remotely true, while there is evidence in plenty of other officials involvement in black market activity. As historian Paul Sanders has noted:

Coutanche, according to his own statements, also never used the black market; another important contrast to
other dignitaries. One of these, a judge known for having condemned many people for black market involvement, was a regular customer of Emma C. who was conducting a brisk under-the-counter trade in supplies smuggled across from France to Jersey, at the photographic depot of her common-law husband Edmund Hassall. (1)

Almost everyone relied on the black market. And 'everyone' included members of the island elites; it was of particular piquancy that members of the Royal Courts were not immune to the allure of the black market. (1)

Coutanche was able to avoid using the "black market" because he had enough resources to use the "barter market", which was described by Denis Vibert in 1941, on his arrival in England

A barter trade has sprung up and there are frequent advertisements in the "Evening Post" offering to exchange items such as a pair of shoes for a pound of sugar. Shops will also display articles to be bartered for which they charge a fee of one shilling [5 pence] (2)

Sanders notes how the "barter market" was seen in much better light than the "black market", because the goods it involved were exchanged without money, and using the black market (but as a consumer, not a trader in black market goods) was a necessity for most islanders; this is also confirmed by John Lewis in his "Doctors Occupation". But after 1945, the use of the black market was seen as a critique of officials.

The 'black market' bears similarities with the discussion of 'collaboration': there is a marked tendency to view the phenomenon in Manichean terms. Some people, such as the Very Reverend Matthew Le Marinel, the Rector of St Helier, made a point of never using the black market. The results were obvious in Le Marinel's considerable weight loss. According to Jerseyman Bob Le Sueur, after some months his dog collar started to hang very loosely around his neck, as he had lost half his body weight. This position was not very realistic, perhaps even foolish. While Le Marinel probably could not afford to by-pass the black market, the Bailiff of Jersey - who later also wrote that he never used the black market - probably had enough pre-war substance to live on during the Occupation and could limit himself to barter transactions which saw no money changing hands.(2)

That a Manichean view is inadequate was already noted by Jersey chronicler Leslie Sinel who saw a need for distinctions between, on the one hand, hoarders with the intent of profiteering and, on the other, what the French aptly described as 'le marché noir familial'.(2)

Now to the extract, in which Ralph Mollet describes the Island and sets some of the background. This was before the post-war Reforms of the States, and the Jurats and Rectors both sat in the States. What is notable is that during the Occupation years, if an electable States position became vacant, it remained so; there were no elections under German rule.

---

Jersey Under the Swastika by Ralph Mollet

I - INTRODUCTION

FROM the commencement of the Occupation of the Island of Jersey by the German Forces I kept a diary containing information of a purely civil character, and have thought that an account of the Occupation may prove to be of general interest; also, as it consists of a record of what happened, it may serve to vindicate the Island Officials from much criticism and the repetition of untruths to which they were subjected.

Using this diary as a basis, and with the help of newspaper cuttings and public notices, I have written the following account of a period that was most trying and difficult for all. It was only by faith, hope, and patience that the inhabitants survived.

I trust that it will be useful for reference by my fellow countrymen and by others who have interests in the island.

For the enlightenment of those who may not be acquainted with our Island history and institutions, a brief description is here given.

Prior to the year 1066 the Channel Islands formed part of the Duchy of Normandy. On the 14th October of that year, William II, Duke of Normandy, became William I, King of England. Normandy, including the Channel Islands, became linked to the English Crown.

In the year 1204 Normandy was conquered by the French, but the Channel Islands remained faithful to King John.

In 1461, Pierre de Breze, Comte de Maulevrier, Grand Seneschal of Normandy, sent an expedition- to Jersey under Jean de Carbonnel. He succeeded in gaining possession of Mont Orgueil Castle, probably through the collusion of Nanfan, acting under orders from Queen Margaret of Anjou. For the next seven years Jersey was under French rule. Then, in October, 1468, de Carbonnel, after a siege of five months, surrendered the Castle to Sir Richard Harliston, Admiral of the English Fleet. Since that date, until the 1st July, 1940, the Islands remained undisturbed and peaceful under the Crown of England.

The laws and institutions, by which the Channel Islands are governed, being derived from Normandy, are different from those of England. The area of Jersey is about forty-five square miles, and the average population about 50,000. The Island is divided into twelve parishes and each parish has its own municipal or parochial government.

The STATES, or Legislative Assembly, is the local parliament, and has power to make, amend, and repeal laws. All permanent legislation must, however, be approved by His Majesty in Council. The Assembly consists of the Bailiff, the twelve Rectors, the twelve Jurats, the twelve Connétables, and seventeen Deputies, representing the various parishes.

THE ROYAL COURT consists of the Bailiff as President and of the twelve Jurats. There are also the Attorney-General, the Vicomte or Sheriff, the Solicitor-General (these three appointed by the Crown), the Greffier or Clerk of the Court, and the Advocates.

THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR is the representative of the King, and is Military Commander-in-Chief of all the forces in the Island, and of the Island Militia. He is appointed by the Crown.

THE BAILIFF is the Chief Justice of the Island. He is President of the States and of the Royal Court. He is appointed by the Crown. The office is important and of very ancient Norman institution.

THE RECTORS, twelve in number (one for each ancient parish) are appointed by the Crown.

THE JURATS are twelve in number, and are elected by the people. They are called " jures justiciers " or sworn justiciars, and the office is for life. Besides his judicial duties a Jurat is by virtue of his office a member of the States. He receives no salary, the honour and dignity being a sufficient inducement and reward. Beyond the fact that he must be a Jerseyman by birth, there are no special qualifications required for the post.

THE CONNÉTABLES are twelve in number (one for each parish). The Connétable, constable, or mayor is elected by his parishioners, and is the head of the parish in all matters. By virtue of his office he is also a member of the States. He is a person of considerable importance and influence in his parish. The position is purely honorary.

THE DEPUTIES are representatives elected by each parish as members of the States. The work is entirely honorary.

STATES OF JERSEY
List of Members during the Occupation.

PRESIDENT:
ALEXANDER MONCRIEFF COUTANCHE, Bailiff of Jersey.

JURATS:
PHILIP DE CARTERET LE CORNU, O.B.E. (died 23rd January, 1944), Lieutenant-Bailiff
PHILIP ERNEST BREE, Lieutenant-Bailiff
PHILIP MELMOTH BAUDAINS
FRANCIS VIBERT LE FEUVRE
JAMES MESSERVY NORMAN
EDWIN PHILIP LE MASURIER, M.B.E.
ARTHUR LUXON
EDGAR ALECK DOREY
STANLEY HOCQUARD
ERNEST GEORGE LABEY
PHILIP NICOLLE GALLICHAN
TOUZEL JOHN BREE

RECTORS
St Helier - Rev. M. LE MARINEL, M.A., Dean
St. Brelade - Rev. J. A. BALLEINE (died 15th February, 1942).
St Clement -Rev. T. H. LABEY
Grouville -Rev. J. H. VALPY, M.A.
St John - Rev. R. S. HORNBY
St Lawrence - Rev. C. P. DU HEAUME
St. Martin - Rev. R. LE SUEUR, M.A.(died 26th January, 1941).
St. Mary - Rev. C. C. OULESS, M.A.
St. Ouen - Rev J.S. NORMAN
St. Peter - VACANT
St. Saviour - VACANT
Trinity - Rev W.G. TABB

CONNÉTABLES:
St. Brelade - WALTER BENEST
St. Clement - SYDNEY GEORGE CRILL
Grouville - P.W.C. BRIARD
St. John - JOHN LE MASURIER
St. Lawrence - JOHN W BAUDAINS
St Martin - CHAS. P. BILLOT
St. Mary - FRS. J. PERREE
St. Ouen - FRS. LE BOUTILLIER
St. Peter - JOHN DU VAL
St. Saviour - L. T. ANTHOINE
Trinity - SNOWDON BENEST (died 10 October, 1944)
St Helier - CHARLES JAMES CUMING

DEPUTIES
St Brelade - RALPH E.B. VOISIN
St Clement - THOMAS R. BLAMPIED
Grouville - W. J. BERTRAM
St John - J. GARTRELL (died 2nd February, 1945).
St Lawrence - T. A. PALLOT
St Martin - Ph. AHIER
St Mary - Ph. LE FEUVRE
St Ouen - F. LE FEUVRE
St Peter- W. SIMON
St Saviour -THOMAS P. MOURANT
Trinity - EDWIN D. GIBAUT
St.Helier P. N. RICHARDSON, Ph LE QUESNE, Ed. LE QUESNE, JOHN H AMY, W. S. LE MASURIER, JOHN LE MARQUAND

H.M.'s ATTORNEY-GENERAL:
CHARLES WALTER DURET AUBIN

H. M.'s VISCOUNT
CHARLES SYDNEY LE GROS

H.M.'s SOLICITOR-GENERAL
CECIL STANLEY HARRISON

Links:
(1) http://www.jerseyheritage.org/templates/jerseyheritage/occupation_memorial/historybook/occupationhistorychapter1.pdf
(2) http://www.jeron.je/thatwasjersey/occcond08.html