Islanders’ WWII Memories to Be Archived for 80th Liberation Anniversary

BBC Guernsey is collaborating with Guernsey Museums to document and safeguard the recollections of island residents for future generations. This oral history initiative will store the collected recordings within a digital archive. In preparation for the 80th anniversary of Guernsey’s Liberation from German Occupation, scheduled for next May, the project’s initial objective is to gather memories pertaining to World War Two. Building upon the groundwork established by the 2005 People’s War Project, the Island Memories team is seeking contributions from individuals who remained on the island during the German Occupation, or who were evacuated, deported, interred, or served in the military. Helen Glencross, representing Guernsey Museums, stated: “We’re very excited to launch this new project. “We will not only digitally archive these recordings for posterity, as part of our collections, but we also plan to share them in the future.” The archive is also expected to feature narratives concerning farming, growing, fishing, family life, food, sport, traditions, and various events. Isla Blatchford, a senior communities journalist at BBC Guernsey, commented: “Everyone has a story to tell, even if they don’t realise it.”My grandparents were evacuated from the island during the Occupation and I regret not asking them more about that time of their lives before it was too late.”I want to make sure we record, and keep, the memories of those who are willing to share.” The Island Memories Project is set to commence on 8 November. Individuals wishing to contribute to this initiative are encouraged to reach out to BBC Guernsey or Guernsey Museum. For updates, follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Story ideas can be submitted to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.