大象传媒

Les Blanches Banques is the name given to the area of sand dunes just inland of Le Braye. Before the war it was occasionally used for exercises by the Militia; but during the war it was covered with barrack huts, barbed wire and sentry boxes, as more than a thousand German prisoners were held there.

Among them was Erich Gussek, a future Commandant of the island in World War Two.

Recognised as a model camp, Les Blanches Banques had its own hospital, recreation facilities, running water and electric lighting, which provoked some bitterness from local people who didn鈥檛 have such luxuries.

Not all prisoners were happy to see out the war in the camp though, and there were several escape attempts. One successful escape was through a tunnel under the road known as Le Chemin des Basses Mielles.

Others contented themselves with making models, painting and reading, entering organised sports competitions or even swimming in the sea at Le Braye.

The remains of the camp are still clearly visible.

Location: Les Blanches Banques, Jersey JE3 8HG
Image of the current remote dunes on Jersey鈥檚 West Coast were home to more than a thousand German prisoners of war
Presented by Chris Stone

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