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Guernsey Policemen Were Never Pardoned

Discussion in 'WWII Today' started by GRW, Dec 27, 2020.

  1. GRW

    GRW Pillboxologist WW2|ORG Editor

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    This is actually shocking.
    "The brave policemen who stole food from the Nazis to feed starving Channel Islanders during the war should be regarded as heroes.
    But in a terrible injustice – and nearly eight decades after the men faced a Guernsey show trial – their families are still campaigning to clear their names.
    All of the 18 policemen are dead, but it is hoped their case will now be taken up by the Government.
    Occupied from June 1940 until May 1945, the Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to fall to German forces during the Second World War.
    The policemen’s act of resistance was inspired by a BBC broadcast giving tips on how to undermine the enemy, even though it was meant only for Europe’s underground movement as the Channel Islands were considered too vulnerable to enemy reprisals.
    At first the officers – deeply resentful at having to salute passing German officers – followed the BBC instructions to the letter by putting sand in petrol tanks of cars and painting ‘V for victory’ signs around the island. Emboldened by these small acts of sabotage, they then set about helping the hungry civilian population.
    Constables Kingston Bailey and Frank Tuck broke into the occupiers’ stores at night, taking tinned food to share with the needy.
    Cambridge University academic Dr Gilly Carr, who has spent years researching the German occupation of the islands, said: ‘For these young men who were denied the opportunity of fighting in the Armed Services, such broadcasts appealed greatly and their role as policemen gave them opportunities for action denied to most.’
    Mr Bailey recounted in his memoirs that by February 1942, the covert operation was ‘getting out of hand… practically the whole police force was now taking part’.
    Eventually Mr Bailey and Mr Tuck were caught and 18 policemen were brought before Guernsey’s Royal Court, effectively still a British court, where some were accused of stealing bottles of wine and spirits from islander-owned stores.
    It was claimed the Germans tortured some of the men during interrogation, with one told he would be shot if he did not sign a confession.
    The British authorities told the officers to plead guilty with a promise that it would all be sorted out after the war. But that would prove wholly untrue.
    In all, 16 policemen were deported to prisons and forced labour camps in Europe, where many experienced dreadful conditions."
    www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9089767/75-year-battle-clear-names-Guernsey-police-officers.html
     
    Kai-Petri likes this.
  2. Nick Le Huray

    Nick Le Huray New Member

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    GRW likes this.

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