Book Review: A guide to German Fortifications on Guernsey

Author: Ernie Gavey Genre: Guide | History Price: £10.95

Published: by Festung Guernsey Review by: Simon Hamon

This is a much-needed new edition of a guide to the various bunkers and other fortifications left from the Occupation. It was first published 1997 and, despite a reprint in 2001, has been largely unavailable for some time. This third edition has managed to retain the essence of its original purpose: a small book that anyone can carry with them when visiting many of the accessible German Occupation-related sites around Guernsey.

It starts with a detailed yet concise explanation of the background to the defensive structures and why they were built and then it takes you anti-clockwise round Guernsey on a journey split into thirteen sections of the coast. It gives a brief explanation of what can be seen and is accompanied by some nicely-coloured maps showing the position of structures and the fields of fire. This is further enhanced with some wartime photos and some modern-day examples which bring some nice colour and helps the reader interpret what now remains.

The book goes on to explain artillery and observation sites, anti-aircraft sites, headquarters, and communications and even a section on the German tunnels. It will assist the novice in understanding the variety of different structures and their intended purpose without getting too technical and over complicated.

The book fits well into the hand and would not be too inhibitive to take with you out on the ground visiting the sites. This therefore enables readers to take it on their own guided walks armed with a plethora of information.

In conclusion this is a ‘must have’ book for anyone interested in the German Occupation period or just a passing interested in the structures that now remain. Illustrated with plenty of maps, photos and plans, it will give you a wonderful insight into that part of the island’s military history. Priced at an unbelievable £10.95 it shows tremendous value too, for such a well-executed and much updated guidebook which is perfect for anyone’s bookshelf.