Wednesday, October 10, 2012

At the point of occupation the German forces evacuated over 650 British citizens, stranded on Jersey, to a rural town in south Germany called Bad Wurzach.

70 years later some of those internees returned to the the Schloss where they were imprisoned. The Baliff Sir Michael Birt and his wife Joan along with Chief Minister Ian Gorst accompanied the group. I was lucky to step in for Constable Simon Crowcroft who was unable to attend.

St Helier twinned with Bad Wurzach ten years ago. this simple act of reconciliation has had a profound effect on both towns.

Anyone that now finds themselves in the town will be royally treated.

Whilst interned many of the internees were befriended by locals and countless acts of kindness were bestowed upon them. Each is eternally grateful for the bonds that were created under such difficult times.

The following photos reflect different aspects of the visit.


Images, found in the newly published book "Reaching Across the Barbed Wire", recounting the story of the internment, the internees, and their subsequent repatriation, were projected on the wall of the Schloss.



















The author recounts the story to the Baliff.











The Chief Minister talks to internees who have returned to give thanks.




The school band plays.





A visit to a rural farm exhibition.
































Ravensburg with it's street market.