filtered occupation

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filtered occupation
filtered occupation

Any mention of occupation in Guernsey inevitably is directed to the period 1940-45. Yes, it was intense and remembered in some families. But the ease with which the notion of occupation leads directly to this conclusion is troubling.

Even before sea-going vessels and military incursions Guernsey had a human population. Connected to Continental Europe at a time when the sea levels were much lower it is reasonable to suppose that humans from the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods simply strolled in and stayed. The menhirs and dolmens of Guernsey are tangible evidence even for casual observers. There's evidence for Roman occupation and Viking influences in place names. This was all before the French and English began swapping terse words about who should own, occupy and administer the Archipelago. There's been human occupation and various degrees of unrest here for a long, long time — longer than the most recently commemorated events.

While the German occupying forces were here they set about a disproportionate program of development and fortification. Others can tell the tale of how they sourced labour and materials for these enterprises. The single largest artefact is an underground hospital meant for the treatment of their wounded from France. There's a lot of tunneling left behind by the German's in Guernsey, they say. This is the one example I've seen.

It is big — interconnected tunnels and chambers — all damp, all cold and all a bit unsuited to the task intended. So much so that the patients' recoveries were poor and the idea abandoned. This far underground air supply must have been an issue. There are many pipes like this one still in place, some connected to air filters. Now it's just a sad place occupied by tourists and a hand full of bats.

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Taken on: September 12, 2023
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Camera: Canon EOS 60D, f/4.5, 1/5 sec, 21mm, ISO 3200 (more info) (hide info)
Camera: Canon EOS 60D
Aperture: f/4.5
Exposure Time: 0.2 sec (1/5)
Focal Length: 21mm
ISO: 3200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program: Program AE
Exposure Mode: Auto
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
White Balance: Auto
Color Space: sRGB
Software: PaintShop Pro 25.00
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