Storming Hitler's British Fortress: The Commando Raids on the Channel Islands in World War II

Channel Islands raids by commandos reveal bold, dangerous expeditions that exposed vulnerability and shaped postwar perceptions.

In 1940 British forces were withdrawn from the Channel Islands, allowing the Germans to occupy British territory. Hitler was determined to hold onto what he saw as a valuable prize, and the islands were heavily fortified.

However, despite being extensively defended, the occupied Channel Islands remained vulnerable to commando-style raids. Indeed, a total of nine suc...