Translated German Broadside Demanding the Surrender of the Isle of Jersey, Channel Islands

Authors

Object ID

2019.2.337

Object Name

Broadside

Date

7-1-1940

Files

Content Warning

The Bulmash Family Holocaust Collection consists of images, documents, and artifacts related to the Holocaust. The collection contains materials that depict a number of topics that may be difficult for viewers to engage with, including: antisemitic descriptions, caricatures, and representation of Jewish people; Nazi imagery and ideology; descriptions and images of German ghettos; graphic images of the violence of the Holocaust; and the creation of the State of Israel. For more information, see our policy page.

Description

Large broadside titled "Translation of a Communication addressed to the Governor of the Isle of Jersey” in black print near top of page, dated “1st July, 1940, list of eight items.

Information Provided by Michael D. Bulmash:

Broadside issued July 1, 1940, an English translation of a communication addressed to the Governor of the Isle of Jersey from the commanding general of the German Air Force in Normandy, announcing the German intent to occupy the island and ordering its surrender. The broadside reads in part: “1. I intend to neutralize military establishments in Jersey by occupation. 2. As evidence that the island will surrender the military and other establishments without resistance and without destroying them, a large White Cross is to be shown as follows… 3. If these signs of peaceful surrender are not observed by 7 a.m. July 2nd, heavy bombardment will take place… 6. All Radio traffic and other communications with Authorities outside the Island will be considered hostile actions and will be followed by bombardment. 7. Every hostile action against my representatives will be followed by bombardment. 8. In case of peaceful surrender, the lives, property, and liberty of peaceful inhabitants are solemnly guaranteed…” The local governor adds a note at bottom: “The States have ordered this Communication to be printed and posted forthwith, and charge the Inhabitants to keep calm, to comply with the requirements of the Communication and to offer no resistance whatsoever to the occupation of the Island.” Utilizing slave laborers held in concentration camps on Sylt and Norderney, the German occupiers constructed elements of the Atlantic Wall fortifications on the island.

Dimensions

30 x 20"

Keywords

Channel Islands, Jersey

Subcollection

Channel

Recommended Citation

"Translated German Broadside Demanding the Surrender of the Isle of Jersey, Channel Islands" (1940). Bulmash Family Holocaust Collection. 2019.2.337.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/bulmash/1658