Jersey's Occupation and Liberation Day

Jersey was occupied by German forces during the Second World War. The Occupation had a huge impact on the daily lives of Islanders, with many aspects of 'normal' life' restricted or affected in some way by the new rules and regulations that were imposed. 

Large crowds gathered in the Royal Square in St. Helier to celebrate when Jersey was liberated on 9 May 1945. Liberation Day is now a public holiday in Jersey. Each year on 9 May, Islanders reflect on this important anniversary in the Island's history and come together to celebrate their enduring freedom.

In this episode we discuss the past, present and future including:

• How did the Occupation affect the States Assembly? 
• Did the politicians of the day continue to represent the people and make new laws?
• What do States Members do to observe Liberation Day today?
• How might Jersey's commemorations of Liberation Day change in the future?

Episode host: Emily Thomas
Interviewees: Dominic Butler; Will Millow

Get in touch with us if you have some feedback about the show, or if you want to suggest a topic for a future episode. Email statesgreffe@gov.je

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Chapters

• 1:32 Introduction
• 1:38 What is Jersey's Liberation Day?
• 2:30 What was the Occupation?
• 3:04 How did the Occupation affect Islanders' daily lives?
• 9:16 What effect did the Occupation have on the States Assembly?
• 13:11 What power did the States Assembly have during the Occupation?
• 18:39 What did the Assembly do after the Occupation?
• 22:07 Did the effect of the Occupation on the States Assembly instigate any lasting change?
• 24:57 How does the States Assembly commemorate Liberation Day today?
• 33:57 How could Jersey's commemoration of Liberation Day change in the coming years?