One of the most important hauls of WWII archaeology discovered in recent years will feature in a new documentary on the Bailiwick, fronted by VisitGuernsey heritage ambassador Dan Snow.
In the 55-minute film, The Islands of Guernsey – Secrets of Hitler’s Island Fortress, Mr Snow MBE investigates decaying German equipment left in the tunnels at Rouge Rue, the truth behind a daring commando raid on Sark, and a haul of untouched World War Two archaeology submerged in an Alderney quarry.
The filming locations were recommended by Festung Guernsey and VisitGuernsey, and in Alderney Mr Snow worked with local historian Trevor Davenport and a pair of local divers, who are planning a further dive to examine the quarry haul in more detail.
‘This is a truly phenomenal find. To discover such a haul in the lead up to the 75th anniversary of the Islands of Guernsey’s liberation from Nazi forces make this all the more astounding and poignant and sheds further light on Guernsey’s incredible history,’ said Mr Snow.
Mr Snow will continue his ambassador role with VisitGuernsey next year, which will see the launch of an islands-wide programme of event called Heritage75. Running from April to October, Heritage75 will encourage visitors to discover and experience what life was like before, during and after the occupation, while also exploring other areas of the Bailiwick’s rich history.
‘We are extremely pleased that Dan has agreed to work with VisitGuernsey again next year to celebrate a true and important milestone for The Islands of Guernsey. Dan’s natural enthusiasm for his subject and for the Islands of Guernsey shines through during this compelling documentary,’ said Mike Hopkins, Director of Marketing and Tourism.
‘Dan has also agreed to participate in a number of other exciting initiatives next year to help us promote the Islands of Guernsey to our core audiences, which we will be announcing in due course.’
The Islands of Guernsey – Secrets of Hitler’s Island Fortress is currently available on subscription-only channel HistoryHit TV, www.tv.historyhit.com/guernsey. It will be available to view on the YouTube channel ‘Timeline’ in December.
