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.
FREE Jersey history newsletter
Don't miss our weekly update on Jersey's fascinating history. We promise never to sell your data to anyone else, and there's a super-easy unsubscribe link on the bottom of each email so you can leave whenever you want.
Other events that occured in October
HMS Charybdis sinks with heavy loss of life
- JMS Charybdis was sunk by two torpedoes during the Second World War with the loss of more than 400 sailors.
- Read more…
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.
- Read more…
Car designer Ron Hickman is born
- Jersey-based designer Ronald Price Hickman designed three of the most lusted after cars of all time: the Lotus Elan, Elan +2 and Europa.
- Read more…
Debussy’s La Mer performed for the first time
- Debussy wrote some of La Mer during his time in Jersey. It had its first performance in Paris in 1905.
- Read more…
