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
Occupation resister Louisa Gould is born
- Louisa Gould gave refuge to an escaped Russian slave during the occupation of Jersey but was exposed to authorities and tried.
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Parliamentarians land at St Ouen’s Bay
- Jersey was strongly in favour of the monarch during the English Civil War, which led to an invasion by 84 ships, that landed 3000 Parliamentarian forces at St Ouen’s Bay.
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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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Jersey mosquito trap inventor dies
- The inventor of the mosquito trap traveled widely but spent many years living and working in the island of Jersey.
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