19th October 1934
Under-defended Jersey mulls conscription
Six years before it was invaded and occupied during the Second World War, Jersey’s authorities recognised that the island was dangerously under-defended.
As reported in the Belfast Telegraph, “The Jersey States Defence of Island Committee has been considering a report by a competent military authority that the island’s militia is at present ineffective. Drastic alterations are urged. It is suggested that the island should return to conscription or else pay Britain for the services of a battalion.”
Jersey had maintained its own voluntary militia since the British government stopped funding a professional force on the island in 1928.
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Other events that occured in October
Printer and publisher John Guiton is born
- John Guiton acquired the Jersey Evening post very soon after its creation and his name has been associated with Channel Islands publishing ever since.
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Hitler orders the Channel Islands’ fortification
- Hitler ordered that the islands be fortified as part of his plans for an Atlantic Wall. The defences would therefore include between 200 and 250 strongpoints on each of the larger islands
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Jersey death causes confusion in Scotland
- Annie Cameron left funds to establish a prize fund but there was some confusion over where she lived, which would affect her bequest.
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Henry Seymour Conway is appointed Governor of Jersey
- Henry Seymour Conway was a British politician and general. He was Chief Secretary for Ireland, Leader of the House of Commons, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces and Governor of Jersey.
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