These World War II tunnels reveal the history of the 5,000 slave workers who built them and the traumatic years of the islanders under Nazi rule.
The Jersey War Tunnels site paints a picture of the defenseless island during its German occupation in World War II. The museum features more than 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) of tunnels built to withstand potential Allied bombardment. Inspect the profound exhibits and put yourself in the mind of a Jersey resident in those dark times.
Once the United Kingdom announced it would not be defending the Channel Islands, local residents had to decide whether to stay or go. See photos of the initial arrival of German troops, their fierce style a stark contrast to the quaint surroundings. These photos offer a disturbing and unusual sight, as the Germans never occupied mainland Great Britain.
The Nazis stayed here for 5 years, carving a labyrinth of tunnels into the hills of Jersey. The underground complex was also used as a hospital from 1943. Hear about the new laws and bureaucracy introduced during the war with the aim of making things difficult for the islanders.
A re-creation of a Jersey household from that time period sheds light on the locals’ daily lives, once rations were depleted. Find out about the utter desperation for food in the final months leading up to liberation. British forces arrived on May 9, 1945, to considerable relief.
Play the audiovisual exhibit about the toil of the slave workers from across Europe who were forced to build the tunnels. Enter through the forested Cap Verde entrance for a sense of the scale of the entire project.
The museum opens daily from morning until early evening from spring through late summer. It has shorter hours in November, before closing for winter. There are lower admission fees for kids and seniors.
Jersey War Tunnels is near the center of the island of Jersey. Arrive at Jersey Airport and drive east for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to get here in less than 10 minutes. Make sure to stop off at nearby landmarks, including Valley Adventure Centre, Waterworks Valley and Beaumont Tower.
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