The Guernsey Deportees

A Short Update - And a New History Podcast

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Ep 6: Return to Biberach - A Lasting Legacy of Internment

⚡ Having escaped Biberach 67 years before, in 2012, the Guernsey Deportees decided to go back. Despite decades passing, the events that unfolded in Germany have caused a ripple effect throughout their lives - impacting them both emotionally and physically. So what drew them back to Germany, to visit the camp where they’d once been interned?💡 In 1942, during World War 2, Hitler ordered the deportation of more than 1000 islanders from Guernsey. Jill Chubb was just 3 years old when she set sail, but her memories are vivid and clear. And in this special podcast series, her grandson, former BBC Guernsey presenter Ollie Guillou, charts her story - joined by three other deportees and two prominent historians.🔎 This sixth episode explores Jill’s emotional return to Biberach - now a police training academy - and the transformational reception the Deportees received from the locals during their stay. Hear about the lasting impact of the camp on the deportees - some who suffered throughout their lives, and others who sought compensation for what happened. And discover why it’s so vital that these stories are remembered and passed down through the generations. ⚙️ With special thanks to:Jill Chubb, Chair of the Guernsey Deportees AssociationRalph Godwin, DeporteeJanet de Santos, DeporteeJill Oliver, DeporteeAlan Chubb, Secretary of the Guernsey Deportees AssociationDr Gilly Carr, University of CambridgeMatthew Lucas, War historian📍 Written and produced by ⁠Ollie Guillou⁠ and ⁠Phillippa Guillou⁠. This is a ⁠Channel Islands Podcasts⁠ production.✉️ Share your messages and memories; email hello@ogpodcasts.co.uk

Ep 5: Liberation Day - A Winding Path Back to Guernsey

⚡ In 1945, the voice of Winston Churchill boomed through the camp - the Allies had won. The war was finally over. But the Guernsey Deportees didn’t get to leave immediately - the path back to Guernsey was long and winding.💡 In 1942, during World War 2, Hitler ordered the deportation of more than 1000 islanders from Guernsey. Jill Chubb was just 3 years old when she set sail, but her memories are vivid and clear. And in this special podcast series, her grandson, former BBC Guernsey presenter Ollie Guillou, charts her story - joined by three other deportees and two prominent historians.🔎 This fifth episode explores those first moments when the Deportees learnt they were finally free - and what it was like the be rescued by the Allied troops. Hear how they each, in turn, eagerly awaited their turn to fly home, before being scattered across the UK. And discover how many found their possessions stolen and homes looted, when they finally got back to Guernsey.⚙️ With special thanks to:Jill Chubb, Chair of the Guernsey Deportees AssociationRalph Godwin, DeporteeJanet de Santos, DeporteeJill Oliver, DeporteeAlan Chubb, Secretary of the Guernsey Deportees AssociationDr Gilly Carr, University of CambridgeMatthew Lucas, War historian📍 Written and produced by ⁠Ollie Guillou⁠ and ⁠Phillippa Guillou⁠. This is a ⁠Channel Islands Podcasts⁠ production.✉️ Share your messages and memories; email hello@ogpodcasts.co.uk

Ep 4: Life and Hope in Biberach

⚡ The Guernsey Deportees never lost their resilient spirits through all of the years of internment. Though they were isolated and imprisoned, they still found joy, excitement and happiness in Biberach. Life may have been hard, but they made do.💡 In 1942, during World War 2, Hitler ordered the deportation of more than 1000 islanders from Guernsey. Jill Chubb was just 3 years old when she set sail, but her memories are vivid and clear. And in this special podcast series, her grandson, former BBC Guernsey presenter Ollie Guillou, charts her story - joined by three other deportees and two prominent historians.🔎 This fourth episode explores the ways the Deportees entertained themselves, whether by testing the patience of German soldiers, or watching aircraft zoom through the sky. We hear how they still celebrated Christmases - in the only way they could. We discover what it was like to fall seriously ill in the camp. And we hear the story of Bill Balcombe of Everest, who made wonderful mugs for his fellow internees.⚙️ With special thanks to:Jill Chubb, Chair of the Guernsey Deportees AssociationRalph Godwin, DeporteeJanet de Santos, DeporteeJill Oliver, DeporteeAlan Chubb, Secretary of the Guernsey Deportees AssociationDr Gilly Carr, University of CambridgeMatthew Lucas, War historian📍 Written and produced by ⁠Ollie Guillou⁠ and ⁠Phillippa Guillou⁠. This is a ⁠Channel Islands Podcasts⁠ production.✉️ Share your messages and memories; email hello@ogpodcasts.co.uk

Ep 3: Arriving in Biberach: First Impressions

⚡ Once the Guernsey Deportees finally left Dorsten, they arrived in Biberach in the freezing cold, greeted by Hitler Youth who spat at them as they trudged up the long hill to their barracks. It was here they would spend the next three years of their lives - longing to go home.💡 In 1942, during World War 2, Hitler ordered the deportation of more than 1000 islanders from Guernsey. Jill Chubb was just 3 years old when she set sail, but her memories are vivid and clear. And in this special podcast series, her grandson, former BBC Guernsey presenter Ollie Guillou, charts her story - joined by three other deportees and two prominent historians.🔎 This third episode explores the first impressions of camp life - the terror and the longing to be free. We find out about day-to-day life - how the camp had a library, a school and even a theatrical group. And we discover a little red book that has survived all these years - serving as a reminder of what happened. ⚙️ With special thanks to:Jill Chubb, Chair of the Guernsey Deportees AssociationRalph Godwin, DeporteeJanet de Santos, DeporteeJill Oliver, DeporteeAlan Chubb, Secretary of the Guernsey Deportees AssociationDr Gilly Carr, University of CambridgeMatthew Lucas, War historian📍 Written and produced by ⁠Ollie Guillou⁠ and ⁠Phillippa Guillou⁠. This is a ⁠Channel Islands Podcasts⁠ production.✉️ Share your messages and memories; email hello@ogpodcasts.co.uk