ALDERNEY - The Homecoming and the 1950s
The islanders returned to their beloved island of Alderney on the 15th December 1945 after being evacuated four years earlier due to the threat of invasion by Germany. During those four years the island was turned into a concrete fortress by the occupying forces.

Much has been written elsewhere detailing the destruction of houses and of the labour camps and also one concentration camp; this gallery in images concentrates on the Homecoming and the immediate few years after.

If anyone can help with images for the website, the author would be please to hear from them.
The Welcome
The Welcome

The Happiest Day in Alderney's History:

The British Garrison Welcomes the returning Islanders

They are coming back to a hard life, with no comforts. only the barest necessities are available, and the land on which they rely for a living is sour, derelict and cluttered with the debris of the German Occupation. The Germans have looted almost everything.

copy: PICTURE POST

Photographer: Francis Reiss - Picture Post - January 1946

Buy this print online:

 
Item added to cart
The Welcome

The Happiest Day in Alderney's History:

The British Garrison Welcomes the returning Islanders

They are coming back to a hard life, with no comforts. only the barest necessities are available, and the land on which they rely for a living is sour, derelict and cluttered with the debris of the German Occupation. The Germans have looted almost everything.

copy: PICTURE POST

Photographer: Francis Reiss - Picture Post - January 1946

Buy this print online:

 
Item added to cart