Entering into the Guernsey Occupation Museum is like stepping back in time; to a time of unrest, fear, hostility, hunger; to a time of survival.

The Museum tells the story of the German Occupation from the invasion in June 1940 to the Channel Islands’ liberation in May 1945.

The Channel Islands were the only British territory to be occupied by the Germans during the Second World War.

Museum owner, Richard Heaume, has dedicated the past 51 years to masterminding and creating this fascinating journey through a horrific chapter of the Channel Islands’ history, that has shaped the islands and the islanders into who they are today.

The layout of the museum is impressive; each room is packed with informative display cases, showcasing original memorabilia and artefacts: photos, newspaper articles, letters, photo albums, posters, signage that reveal life under German rule.

There are original German uniforms, guns, rifles, pistols, a fire engine, motorbikes, boats, ammunition, mines, even medical and dental supplies, cameras, gas masks, musical instruments, trouser braces and belt buckles worn by German officers.

Displays with models have been erected to depict various scenes including original artefacts: a German soup kitchen, a translation booth, ration queues, a family listening to a BBC news transmission via their crystal set in their living room, a horse drawn ambulance and a fire truck, and an anti-tank gun.

A ‘must view’ introductory five-minute video gives visitors an overview of the mission of the Museum and complexities of the German invasion.

The museum depicts tragedy, hardship, hope and ultimate victory, and the bravery, resilience and courage of the Guerns to unite together and defend their rights.

Born during the German Occupation, Richard has painstakingly compiled a smorgasbord of every type of collectable, memory and representation of life under the Third Reich. Many of the items on display are extremely rare and unique.

A visit to the museum is an emotional and poignant experience, one that requires dedicated time; a visit must not be rushed. In order to gain the best insight, visitors must take the time to interact with every photo, article and story.

For further information visit: http://www.germanoccupationmuseum.co.uk