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

In 1940 British forces were withdrawn from the Channel Islands, allowing the Germans to occupy British territory.Hitler was determined to hold onto what he saw as a valuable prize, and the islands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 such operations were conducted between 1940 and 1943.Many others were planned but never executed. Each one was a bold and dangerous expedition, with small groups of men daring to trespass on Hitler’s cherished British stronghold.The first of these attacks, Operation Ambassador, took place on the night of 14/15 July 1940.The second ever raid undertaken by the Commandos, it was focused on the island of Guernsey.Though the mission failed to achieve any of its objectives, valuable lessons were learnt. In the weeks, months and years that followed, raids were also undertaken against Jersey, Sark, Herm, Burhou and the Casquets lighthous