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‘Hitler’s Island Fortress’ (Jersey) | Series 18 Episode 4 | Time Team

Time Team Classics・40 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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Summary

00:00

"WWII German defenses unearthed in Jersey"

  • An amateur archaeologist discovered a site in the woods with significant historical importance related to World War II defenses.
  • The site, part of Hitler's defenses on Jersey, was identified as German, not British, and had never been excavated before.
  • The Channel Islands were invaded and occupied by Hitler's forces in 1940, leading to a five-year occupation period with extensive munitions laid.
  • The archaeologists must be cautious due to the high number of mines and munitions in the area during the excavation.
  • The site at Les Gellette was a heavily fortified German anti-aircraft battery overlooking the airport.
  • A team of experts, including archaeologists and historians, was assembled to decipher the site's features.
  • The excavation aims to uncover the layout of the base, including gun pits, machine gun nests, and slit trenches.
  • Despite challenges like vegetation hindering the excavation, the team is making progress in uncovering the site's structures.
  • The discovery of a 20mm shell case in one trench indicates the presence of an anti-aircraft gun at the site.
  • The site's wider landscape is proving to be intriguing, with evidence of a sophisticated defense setup against allied attacks.

15:42

Uncovering WWII Gun Emplacements: A Revealing Exploration

  • The site was identified as a location for a 20 millimeter anti-aircraft gun.
  • The focus shifts to uncovering enclosures housing 88 millimeter guns, considered more powerful.
  • An 88 millimeter gun requires an eight-man crew and sits on a large tripod.
  • The gun's capability is highlighted, with the potential to bring down aircraft at 20,000 feet.
  • Excavation plans are made to uncover the tripod placement of the 88 millimeter gun.
  • The site likely housed six 88 millimeter gun emplacements, crucial for troop readiness.
  • Evidence suggests the presence of an ablutions block for soldiers' daily routines.
  • Various currencies circulated during the occupation, adding complexity to daily life.
  • Investigation reveals a potential bunker and the need for further exploration.
  • The discovery of live artillery shell remnants prompts caution and further investigation.

31:45

Soviet slave workers mistreated, war horrors remembered.

  • Soviet slave workers were mistreated, given no clothes or proper food, leading to starvation and death.
  • The suffering of slave workers is commemorated in a play, serving as a reminder of the horrors of war.
  • Discovery of evidence of the occupation's force, including an 88 shell case, deemed potentially dangerous.
  • Plans to dispose of the 88 shell case involve taking it to a nearby beach and blowing it up.
  • Uncovering gun emplacements and cables for the guns, aiming to understand the complex as a whole.
  • Identification of features like ablution heart, foxhole, and gun emplacements aiding in understanding the site.
  • Discovery of a practice shell used for training in loading and firing big guns during the war.
  • Efforts to diffuse and remove shells from the island, with the discovery of an offending 88 shell.
  • Uncovering a communication bunker and a command and control center, revealing the sophisticated defenses built by the Germans.
  • Transformation of the site from an anti-aircraft battery to a fortified enclosure with massive guns, preparing for invasion.

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