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
Prolific writer George d’La Forge dies
- George F Le Feuvre was born in St Ouen on 29 September 1891 and, over the next nine decades, did much to preserve the Jèrriais language, despite spending many years in Canada and America.
- Read more…
Collapsing chimney kills a girl
- The channel was struck by hurricane force winds at the end of October 1887. It blew over a chimney, which killed a girl.
- Read more…
Aristocrat John Hervey is arrested in Jersey
- John Hervey was arrested after being stopped by customs officials on his way into Jersey.
- Read more…
Bergerac actor John Nettles is born
- Actor John Nettles, who became famous playing Jersey detective Jim Bergerac, was born in Cornwall in 1943.
- Read more…
