An award-winning podcast series about life during Guernsey’s Occupation, called ‘The Guernsey Deportees’, has been adapted into a two-hour video documentary.
Produced by Ollie Guillou, the documentary explores the accounts of islanders who were deported to Biberach internment camp in Germany during World War Two.
It follows the experiences of Mr Guillou’s grandmother, Jill Chubb, who was deported at the age of three.
He said: “It’s been a deep privilege sharing my grandma’s story with the world.
“This new video mix will give more people outside of Guernsey a chance to hear this story – which is especially poignant now, given the current global political climate.”
Since its launch, which coincided with the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, the series has received two trophies at the British Podcast Awards and been downloaded in 83 countries.
The documentary features footage from the original production and aims to bring the history of wartime resilience to a wider international audience.
Mr Guillou said the new format is aimed at people outside of the Bailiwick, particularly given current international tensions.
Since the podcast’s release, Mrs Chubb has shared her experiences with thousands, across continents, countries – and even to British royalty.
She told Express: “All I wanted was for people to know how much the trauma of war affects children as well as adults, and because of the podcast we were able to do that.
“I was over the moon to get a chance to speak to Princess Anne, who was so full of empathy and understanding.
“Hearing the deportees mentioned in the King’s Speech for the first time during the 80th Liberation made a heck of a difference.”
Mrs Chubb’s story is one that Guernsey residents will be fairly familiar with.
The legends of islanders who lived through occupation, deportation and evacuation still resonate deeply generations later.
It may be global history, but the story of Guernsey residents is one ingrained in the DNA of the Bailiwick.
The documentary gives the chance to share these stories further afield, to audiences that wouldn’t usually get the chance
Mrs Chubb continued: “The podcast trailer was played in Germany at their remembrance events last year and they were amazed.
“While the German people have always been very sympathetic, the podcast has served to deepen their understanding of what it meant to live through this life-altering event as a young girl.”
During last year’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the importance of converting those personal oral histories into something more permanent and tangible was really emphasised.
Not only did we learn the story of Jill Chubb, but also Roland Duquemin – a Guernseyman who lived through the occupation.
Then there was Pamela Masterman, who was evacuated to the UK during the war years, and was separated from her family for years.
Mrs Chubb said sharing her story had “really benefited my life and it’s been an amazing journey”.
“I’m still giving talks – I never expected it would go so far!
“I feel lucky to have had the courage – the determination – to share it, and so grateful that people want to understand.”
