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
Rare Bronze Age pottery found in Trinity
- Rare Bronze Age pottery was found in the parish of Trinity in the island of Jersey. It was thought to be 3000 years old.
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Bailiff and occupation escapee Peter Crill dies
- Peter Crill was Jersey's Bailiff and during the occupation of the Second World War escaped the island in a dinghy.
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Entrepreneur Charles Robin is born
- Jersey born Charles Robin was a wealthy man by the age of 20 when he already had a shipping business dealing in cargo and fresh fish.
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Footballer Greame Le Saux is born
- Jersey-born Le Saux’s first professional signing was for London club Chelsea, for whom he played his first match aged 21. He stayed for four seasons, during which he made 90 appearances, scoring eight league goals.
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