War-time story: “Drinking on an empty stomach”

Sunday 15 July 2018

A group of friends, and a forbidden cask of cider on a rationed war-time diet, makes for one wild night…

Jersey War Tunnels tells the little-known story of when a group of friends indulged in some illicit drinking on this very day, 78 years ago.

“On 15th July 1940, paraffin was rationed and restrictions were placed on the purchase of goods in Jersey. 

“Alongside food rationing, the sale of alcohol was also banned by the Germans during the Occupation. So, when the landlord of The Victoria pub in St Peter’s Valley, Fred Davies, managed to obtain a cask of farm cider – presumably on the black market – it was exciting news.  

Pictured: The landlord of the Victoria Pub, which is still standing in St. Peter's Valley, got his hands on a cask of forbidden cider on this day in 1940 (Google Maps).

“Word spread fast and reached a group of friends in St. Ouen, who jumped on their bikes and cycled down that evening to taste the rare treat. 

“Having survived on a meagre diet for so long, and being quite unused to drinking alcohol, it went straight to their heads. It was late and after curfew when the men left quietly with their bikes, one by one. Looking out for German patrols, they each ventured into the night, careful not to attract attention. Fortunately, no-one was around. 

Pictured: When they heard about the forbidden cask of cider, a group of friends cycled to the Victoria to sample it.

“The next morning, however, Fred looked out of his window and got quite a surprise. Most, if not all of the men, were lying spread-eagled in the meadow across the road, sleeping it off amongst their upturned bicycles. 

“The rare treat, combined with the cool night air, clearly had a devasting effect.” 

Learn more about life in occupied Jersey at the Jersey War Tunnels where you can hear stories from people who experienced life under German occupation; told first hand or passed down the generations in local families.