‘Hitler’s Island Fortress’ (Jersey) | Series 18 Episode 4 | Time Team
Time Team Classics・2 minutes read
An amateur archaeologist discovered a site in the woods with significant historical importance related to World War II defenses. The site was identified as a German anti-aircraft battery part of Hitler's defenses on Jersey, prompting an excavation to uncover structures like gun pits and machine gun nests, despite challenges such as high explosives and vegetation hindering progress.
Insights
- The site discovered in the woods by an amateur archaeologist is a significant German World War II defense installation on Jersey, part of Hitler's defenses.
- The excavation aims to uncover the layout of the base, including gun emplacements, machine gun nests, and slit trenches, shedding light on the sophisticated defense setup against allied attacks.
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Recent questions
What historical significance does the site in the woods hold?
The site in the woods holds significant historical importance related to World War II defenses. It was part of Hitler's defenses on Jersey and was identified as German, not British, never excavated before.
What challenges do archaeologists face during the excavation?
Archaeologists must be cautious due to the high number of mines and munitions in the area during the excavation. Challenges like vegetation hindering the excavation are present, but the team is making progress in uncovering the site's structures.
What weaponry was found at the site?
The site at Les Gellette housed a 20mm anti-aircraft gun, with evidence suggesting the presence of enclosures housing 88mm guns, considered more powerful. The excavation aims to uncover the layout of the base, including gun pits, machine gun nests, and slit trenches.
What evidence of the occupation's force was discovered?
Evidence of the occupation's force includes the discovery of an 88 shell case and live artillery shell remnants, prompting caution and further investigation. Plans to dispose of the 88 shell case involve taking it to a nearby beach and blowing it up.
What features aid in understanding the site's complex layout?
Features like ablution heart, foxhole, gun emplacements, communication bunker, and command and control center aid in understanding the site's complex layout. The transformation of the site from an anti-aircraft battery to a fortified enclosure with massive guns is revealed through the excavation.
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