Channel Islands – The Occupation Years 1940-45

The society were delighted to welcome a local member, Glyn Wadley, to show his collection of Channel Islands material, specifically material relating to the occupation years between 1940 and 1945.

The display began with a cover from Guernsey commemorating the introduction of a new airmail service in May 1939, but this was quickly curtailed early in 1940 when the islands were occupied. From there, we were shown covers affected by the interrupted postal service, bisected stamps on cover, pressed into use due to a shortage and no suitable replacement stocks, some German covers from the island and then the wartime stamp issues of Guernsey. The display featured singles, multiples and blocks of almost all the printings during this period.

After the break we saw the wartime propaganda stamps, and then a display of material from Jersey, including the war printings and the newer ‘Views’ series. The display was enhanced by blocks, sheets and proof material that few members had seen before, along with a range of interesting covers from the period.

A vote of thanks was given by Jonathan Guy, and the society would like to thank Glyn for his display which is illustrated below.