The Channel Island of Alderney Has a Long Military History

The Channel Island of Alderney: A Rich Military History

The island of Alderney, located in the Channel Islands, has a long and complex military history dating back to the Roman period.

Its beautiful beaches and brutalist concrete constructs, leftovers from World War II, serve as reminders of the island's tumultuous past. In June 1940, the island was evacuated of its resident population and became completely militarized.

The arrival of German troops marked the only British soil invaded by the Führer during World War II, with the island remaining under occupation until May 1945. The population was slowly reintroduced over the following years.

Alderney, the third largest of the Channel Islands, still bears many reminders of its past, including fortifications from the Roman, Napoleonic, and Victorian eras.

The island's history is a testament to its strategic importance and the impact of war on its population.

Author's summary: Alderney's history is marked by invasion and occupation.

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War History Online War History Online — 2025-11-03

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