The Occupation Tapestry

The Occupation Tapestry

Introduction The 75th anniversary of the Liberation of the Channel Islands also marks 25 years since the original tapestry was completed. The tapestry continues to tell the story of a community project that provokes a deep sense of pride, draws immense praise and can move people to tears.

The Occupation Tapestry Gallery.

Prince Charles at the launch in 1995.

The original tapestry has 12 panels, one created by each of Jersey’s Island Parishes. Together they form a narrative based on the principal events and themes of the period.

Archive photographs formed the basis for the designs, which were transferred onto the tapestry canvases. They were then mounted on stretchers ready for embroidery by teams of dedicated volunteers.

Outbreak of War

Despite the sacrifices of the Great War and German assurances of ‘peace in our time’, hostilities become inevitable when German armies attack Poland on 1 September 1939.

Occupation

The ‘Phoney War’ ends abruptly with the German invasion of Norway and Denmark in April 1940 and of Belgium, Holland and France in May. On 1 July 1940 the Germans arrive in the Island.

Restrictions

To enforce the Occupation, the Germans authorities restrict civilian movement, identify certain groups and curtail the exchange of information.

Transport

Despite the Occupation, people still have to move around the Island. As normal transport patterns are disrupted, new solutions are found.

Everyday Needs

No matter who is in charge, life goes on and the basic necessities of life have to be found.

School and Work

As a result of the restrictions imposed, working practices and schooling have to change.

Social Life

Cut off from the British mainland and their usual sources of enjoyment, Islanders become more self-reliant.

Government

The Island still has to function and the Bailiff acts as an intermediary between the Island administration and the German Field Command.

Sent Overseas

Many Islanders are forced to leave their homes and are sent overseas as a punishment to the internment camps, prisons and concentration camps of the Nazi regime.

By-Passed

On 6 June 1944 Allied armies land on the beaches of Normandy. The war in Europe is entering its final phase.

Red Cross

The neutrality of the International Red Cross is invaluable in keeping families in touch and ensuring Islanders do not starve.

Liberation

Having endured 1,773 days of Occupation by German forces, Jersey is finally liberated by British Troops of Task Force 135 on 9 May 1945.

Reflection A 13th panel was added in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of Liberation.

It remembers the victims of Nazism, acts of resistance and how the Island has marked Liberation over the years.

The epitome of dedication - the volunteer co-ordinators.

Reflection

This panel captures both the celebration at the heart of Liberation Day, and how Jersey people continue to remember acts of heroism and commemorate the victims of Nazism.

Tapestry Statistics The first 12 panels were created by 233 volunteer embroiderers, divided into twelve parish teams. Together they worked on the tapestry for 29,857 hours over a period of seven years.

The 13th panel involved around 850 members of the public who added their stitches to the panel, and approximately 100 volunteers. They notched up more than 3,700 hours of stitching over a one year period.