From Bridget Murphy.
I REFER to Paul Gregson’s letter (JEP, 6 April). Let me assure him that I have a well-informed understanding of European politics, in particular the 1930s and 40s.
If I were to elaborate his understanding, I would need to pen a book, but I will stick to how the Nazi occupation affected Jersey.
Mr Gregson states that Britain and France were forced into war in 1939 – at least I must thank him for that admission. Hitler was preparing for war after he came to power in the mid-30s. As for France swiftly collapsing, yes, it was a walk-in from Germany, like Austria and other places which were faced with the mighty, well-equipped Nazi machine.
Like many leaders, Churchill in his earlier political career made a few errors, but one thing is certain: his past experiences and knowledge energised him as a leader and he inspirationally led Britain through the Second World War.
I don’t think I’ve read such nonsense for a long time, when Mr Gregson stated that Jersey strikes and civil disobedience weakened the Germans’ grip on power, and Churchill did nothing to help and that the liberating forces who arrived in May 1945 encountered no resistance, the working class had done the job for them!
What an insult to men and women who lost their lives in achieving our liberation. Had the so-called working class attempted a revolution, they would have been shot down in droves. No, Mr Gregson, the Germans, like ourselves, were starving and had been brought to their knees by the allies, so no resistance was offered and Churchill knew he had nothing to worry about.
Maybe Mr Gregson will let us know his age and whether he was here during the Occupation, like I was, just to see if we are speaking from a level playing field.
For those who admire the red flag so much, may I respectfully suggest they go and live where the red flag is flying and let people like myself enjoy the justice and peace that many people take for granted under the British flag.
La Corbière,
5 St Clement’s Road,
St Helier.
