This Is Guernsey

The VisitGuernsey and the Heritage Committee have combined forces to establish Fortress Guernsey, a project aimed at making some of the fortification sites still in existence around the island more accessible to locals and visitors.Visitors with a keen interest in the German Occupation can find a wealth of information at privately-run museums. There is the German Naval Signals Headquarters, just off Elm Grove, St Peter Port; La Valette Underground Military Museum housed in a German tunnel at the Bathing Places; The German Occupation Museum, including an occupation street, near the airport at the Forest; and the German Military Underground Hospital at La Vassalerie Road, St Andrew’s. The restored German bunker at Fort Houmet Headland, Vazon is another site worth a visit.People who visit the German bunkers, guns or observation tower sites, will be amazed at their design and strength.

These structures were built by the hundreds of forced labourers who were brought into the island and who lived very unhappy lives. They received only limited rations and clothing and had to labour long hours on the massive fortifications.

There is the German Naval Signals Headquarters, just off Elm Grove, St Peter Port; La Valette Underground Military Museum housed in a German tunnel at the Bathing Places; The German Occupation Museum, including an occupation street, near the airport at the Forest; and the German Military Underground Hospital at La Vassalerie Road, St Andrew’s. The restored German bunker at Fort Houmet Headland, Vazon is another site worth a visit.

People who visit the German bunkers, guns or observation tower sites, will be amazed at their design and strength.

These structures were built by the hundreds of forced labourers who were brought into the island and who lived very unhappy lives. They received only limited rations and clothing and had to labour long hours on the massive fortifications.

The Tourist Board has prepared a series of leaflets on the fortifications and these should be available in hotels.If not, they can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre in St Peter Port.