Achtung Minen! Guernsey - The challenging task of clearing German minefields on Guernsey after World War 2 recalled by the Royal Engineer officer in charge of the operation

During the German occupation of Guernsey from 1941 to 1945,  the Channel Islands were heavily fortified to fend off anticipated attacks by Allied forces. These defensive strategies included laying numerous mines and explosives on beaches to deter seaborne invasions and on open ground to hinder airborne paratroopers or glider landings. The No.1 Pioneer Battalion of the 319th Infantry Division of the German Armed Forces was responsible for this task on Guernsey.

Despite German expectations, no Allied assaults were attempted, as the British government wisely decided that the Channel Islands’ strategic importance did not warrant the loss of life  that inevitably would have resulted in retaking them. As a result, the islanders endured five years of enemy occupation – a unique experience for citizens of mainland Britain during the war.

After liberation in 1945, the British authorities faced the daunting challenge of clearing the islands of defensive explosives. Special units of the Royal Engineers were brought in for this task  and Lieutenant Henry Beckingham, an experienced bomb disposal expert despite his young age, was chosen to lead bomb disposal operations on Guernsey. With his team of Sappers from the 24th Bomb Disposal Platoon RE, he supervised the clearing of obstacles installed by No.1 Pioneer Battalion, now POWs, who assisted with the task.

Through the collective skill and bravery of both British and German personnel, the mine clearance operation was completed with minimal casualties, despite a large labour force which at its peak included 1,780 German POWs and 300 civilians. The details of how and where the mines were laid in the first place and safely removed post-war is chronicled within the pages of this historically significant book.

Publisher - Woodfield Publishing

Language - English

Paperback

Contributors

Author

Henry Beckingham

Published Date - August 18 2024

ISBN - 9781903953877

Dimensions - 23.4 x 15.6 x 0.7 cm

Page Count - 100