An Occupation Story...

In the early 1930s The Guernsey Aero Club purchased an Avro Avian MK IV two seater bi-plane which was regularly used by members of the club and hired out to other pilots. In 1935 when the plane was parked out in the open, at L’Eree Aerodrome, a gust of wind picked it up and hurled it over on its back. The plane was so badly damaged that it was not considered worth repairing. Cecil Noel, who was one of the directors of the flying club, carefully collected all the parts and dumped them in a heap outside his house.

A couple of years later Cecil did a deal with the Motor House Garage  (which was based where EFG now has offices) whereby he was provided with a second hand car in exchange for the remains of the plane. All the parts were taken up to the loft of the Motor House garage on the corner of St Julian’s Airport and Ann’s Place. After more than two years work, the garage manager, Harold Le Parmentier, had fully restored the plane and it was ready to fly. However, prior to the Occupation, Harold left the island. The loft in which the assembled plane was stored was locked and he entrusted the keys to an employee, William Gilson, with instructions to keep it clean and well oiled.

The Germans on arrival in the island requisitioned the Motor House garage for the repairs of their military vehicles. Kenny Bell, who previously worked for Bougourd Brothers, was put in charge by the Germans. Kenny was unaware there was a plane in the loft, the door was locked and he didn’t bother going investigate. One day William Gilson broke the news of the existence of the plane to Kenny, but even then he took the view that it was not his responsibility. 

When the Germans issued an order that all inflammable material stored in the town was to be removed, Kenny Bell was concerned. After considerable thought he decided to report the existence of the plane to the Germans. So early in March 1942, he went up to the Feldgendarmerie Headquarters at Grange Lodge and reported the plane’s presence. 

The Germans immediately arrested Kenny. He was taken back to the Motor House garage where the plane was inspected by officers of the Luftwaffe and photographed from every possible angle. Kenny was questioned by the Feldkommandant,  Fuerst Von Oettingen. The Germans noticed that the engine had been freshly oiled and said that proved that Kenny had repaired the plane and was planning to escape.

The Motor House garage was guarded at first by two fully armed Germans, then on 9 March instructions were received , from the Commandant, that the Police Force were to be responsible for mounting a 24 hour guard. 

The round the clock guard was maintained until 27 March when the Secretary of the Controlling Committee telephoned the Inspector to say that it could be withdrawn from 6.00pm that evening. Clearly this was a community punishment for there being a plane right under the noses of the Germans for eight months, without them finding out. 

The Avro Avian was eventually put on board a transporter and taken to the airport prior to being shipped to the continent. 

As a direct result of the discovery of the Avro Avian there appeared on the 5 March, in the Evening Press, a proclamation from the German Commandant.
“There is occasion to again call attention to the population to the fact that the retention of weapons, including hunting guns of of implements of war of every description is punishable according to martial law.
The population is herewith requested to search every nook and corner of their premises for weapons and implements of war. They are to be delivered to the Controlling Committee at once”

Private individuals searched and came up with a multitude of items, almost all of which were souvenirs. Many had been declared to the Germans when they first arrived. Then islanders had been allowed to keep the Zulu stabbing assegais, the Turkish cutlass, the duck and the many swords and hunting knives. Now they were collected and handed over to the Germans.

Mr JL Hocart of the Vale surrendered a bow and arrow. Quertier Le Pelley, the Magistrate handed in two obsolete guns and a number of museum swords. GJP Ridgeway, the Solicitor General personally delivered a set of fire irons. Made up from old swords. The Guille-Alles Library passed over their collection of 9 old muskets and pistols and 15 swords and daggers.

Not only were vintage implements of war being surrendered but suggestions were made where firearms could be found. Mrs P Gallienne called at the Police Station and told Sergeant Harper that she was certain that there were old Service uniforms and firearms hidden at Bartlett’s Palace Theatre premises. Deputy Inspector Langmead  and Sergeant Harper searched the premises but only found civilian clothes which had previously been used in theatrical performances.

It was all part of the German response to any act of defiance or minor resistance. They sought to inconvenience and penalise the community and so deter further acts of hostility.