The German Occupation of the Channel Islands was unquestionably the most significant historical event to affect Jersey in recent history, impacting every Islander and profoundly restricting everyday freedoms. Liberation Day stands as a powerful collective moment of remembrance, acknowledging both the hardships suffered and the enduring value of liberty.
Accounts from children and young people who experienced the Occupation offer a valuable yet underrepresented perspective. It is well understood that childhood experiences of conflict often have long‑term effects, shaping memory and identity both within individual lives and across generations.
The Interview
On the 31st July last year, our Photographic Archive Department had the privilege of photographing and recording the oral history of Dave Isherwood within the Société’s Members’ Room, led by historian Sue Gorin. During the interview, Dave —now in his nineties— reflected on his experiences growing up along Byron Road (St. Helier) during the German Occupation. He was accompanied by his son, Colin, whose knowledge of the period added valuable historical and familial context.
Dave recalled the practical—and at times inventive—ways his family managed under German rule. He described sweeping the floor of Mr. Selleur’s carpenter’s shop to gather wood shavings and collecting black tar from Gas Place to fuel the family fire during the exceptionally cold winter of 1941, exacerbated by severe coal shortages.
Dave also recounted moments of youthful mischief. He described how he and other schoolchildren would deliberately disrupt German shooting practice near his home. As they walked home from school, the children crossed the road one at a time, forcing the officers to repeatedly halt their firing. Eventually, the officers adapted by holding the children back until they could cross together.
The Recording
This interview was produced by the Société Jersiaise Photographic Archive as an oral history record of Dave Isherwood’s experiences as a child during the Occupation of Jersey. The full, unedited recording forms part of the Société Jersiaise’s permanent archival collection. This original recording brings together photography by Archive Assistant Max Le Feuvre and interviews recorded by Photographic Archivist Rochelle Merhet.
What are Oral History Recordings?
Oral histories are a research method of preserving and documenting an individual’s account of their lived experiences, usually recorded by or with assistance from a researcher. Archives are increasingly using oral histories to address gaps left by traditional records. When combined with photography, they offer richer insight into lived experience and community history, creating a more accessible and nuanced historical record.
Where can I find the interview?
The interview is available to listen to via the link here: Childhood memories of the Occupation of Jersey: by Dave Isherwood – Société Jersiaise
Pastview is the Société’s digital catalogue that provides access to all of the SJ’s Annual Bulletins from 1884 to 2022, as well as maps, plans, books, photographic albums, and further resources.
For any questions or enquiries regarding the interview or the Photographic Archive projects and services, please contact the SJPA on photoarchive@societe.je or telephone at +44 (0) 1534 633398.
Special Thanks
We are sincerely grateful to Dave and Colin Isherwood for sharing their time and memories, and to Sue Gorin for her expertise, sensitivity, and thoughtful guidance, all of which greatly enriched the recording.
- Photographs by Max Le Feuvre, Photographic Archive Assistant
- Article by Rochelle Merhet, Photographic Archivist
