The German occupation of the Channel Islands lasted for most of the Second World War, from 30 June 1940 until their liberation on 9 May 1945. Whilst I conducted research for The Guernsey Novels, I steeped myself into the island’s history, especially its Occupation and eventual Liberation.
I was kindly donated a couple of diaries kept by islanders who lived during that time period and it provided me with a very realistic account of what everyday life was like.
Food was scarce, tensions were high – it was a dark time for the Channel Islands.
In addition to the donated diaries, I was also able to interview some islanders who lived through the German rule and attended the original Liberation Day. After five years of hell, I can imagine how much relief the Guerns must have felt when it was announced in the Evening Press that Hitler was dead. I personally would have been dancing for joy.
Excitement would have spread quickly, especially when the SS Vega arrived with supplies. Imagine, being starved for years and finally being able to get biscuits, chocolate, tea, and coffee – that first taste of freedom food would have been heaven.
On WWII Food…
Whilst researching for my series, The Guernsey Novels, I discovered a wide variety of interesting WWII recipes from Guernsey including a steamed pudding made out of grated carrots, potatoes and oats.
Bearing in mind the importance of research I have tried very hard to ensure that I have used authentic Guernsey dishes in my novels, as well as using the names of real restaurants, hotels, roads, and landmarks.
I also try to check they were in existence in the time period of each novel.
As a keen amateur historian, with a vivid writer’s imagination, it was only a matter of time before this research sunk in and I began to write The Guernsey Series. I’m up to seven novels within the series now – does the Island have one more story to be told? Let’s see…
The German occupation of the Channel Islands lasted for most of the Second World War, from 30 June 1940 until their liberation on 9 May 1945. Whilst I conducted research for The Guernsey Novels, I steeped myself into the island’s history, especially its Occupation and eventual Liberation.
I was kindly donated a couple of diaries kept by islanders who lived during that time period and it provided me with a very realistic account of what everyday life was like.
Food was scarce, tensions were high – it was a dark time for the Channel Islands.
In addition to the donated diaries, I was also able to interview some islanders who lived through the German rule and attended the original Liberation Day. After five years of hell, I can imagine how much relief the Guerns must have felt when it was announced in the Evening Press that Hitler was dead. I personally would have been dancing for joy.
Excitement would have spread quickly, especially when the SS Vega arrived with supplies. Imagine, being starved for years and finally being able to get biscuits, chocolate, tea, and coffee – that first taste of freedom food would have been heaven.
On WWII Food…
Whilst researching for my series, The Guernsey Novels, I discovered a wide variety of interesting WWII recipes from Guernsey including a steamed pudding made out of grated carrots, potatoes and oats.
Bearing in mind the importance of research I have tried very hard to ensure that I have used authentic Guernsey dishes in my novels, as well as using the names of real restaurants, hotels, roads, and landmarks.
I also try to check they were in existence in the time period of each novel.
As a keen amateur historian, with a vivid writer’s imagination, it was only a matter of time before this research sunk in and I began to write The Guernsey Series. I’m up to seven novels within the series now – does the Island have one more story to be told? Let’s see…
