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Bridport History Society

Bridport History Society is an association for people with a lively curiosity about both local history and wider historical matters. The Society’s meetings offer its Members not only the opportunity to attend a variety of interesting talks, but also the opportunity to engage with others in discussions about historical issues. The Society is also a forum for sharing information on Members’ own research and projects.

Next Meeting and Talk

Thursday, 10 October 2024 2.30 pm

Lt Col (Rtd) James Porter

The German Occupation of the Channel Islands in WW2

France’s unexpected collapse in 1940 suddenly transformed the Channel Islands from a relatively safe backwater to (potentially) the front line. As German forces swept across France, the British Government had to come to terms with surrendering British territory which was manifestly indefensible, and the islanders had to come to terms with evacuation to England or to continuing to live at home, but under the Swastika. The talk covers the drama of 1940, the evacuation, the splitting up of some families, and then every-day life for the islanders under occupation. The talk also examines the German fortification of the islands, and their contribution and effect on military operations in WW2. Finally, the talk covers the liberation of the islands the day after the German surrender on what is now VE Day. The speaker is a Channel Islander, born and brought up in Guernsey.

Below: German soldiers marching past Boots in the British Channel Islands, 1940s

Society Meetings

Meetings are held at the United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LJ on the second Thursday of the month (except July and August), 2.15pm for a 2.30pm start. Access to the hall is from the alley to the side of the church.

Membership is £10 individual / £15 couple, plus £1 on the door. Visitors welcome, £5pp per talk.

Bridport History Society

Bridport History Society

Society Meetings

Bridport History Society Meetings are held at the United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LJ on the second Thursday of the month (except July and August), 2.15pm for a 2.30pm start. Access to the hall is from the alley to the side of the church.

Bridport History Society
Meetings are held at the United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LJ
on the second Thursday of the month (except July and August), 2.15pm for a 2.30pm start. Access to the hall is from the alley to the side of the church.