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
De La Salle College opens
- The Roman Catholic De La Salle College opened its doors to its first pupils at the start of autumn term, 1917, with a roll of just twelve.
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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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Jersey rejects proposed timezone change
- A proposal to adopt Central European Time was put to Jersey voters, who rejected it in favour of maintaining the island's link with UK time.
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Bergerac actor John Nettles is born
- Actor John Nettles, who became famous playing Jersey detective Jim Bergerac, was born in Cornwall in 1943.
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