Hohlgangsanlage 8 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hohlgangsanlage 8 |
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|---|---|
| German Underground Hospital | |
| Part of Atlantic Wall | |
| Jersey | |
Entrance to Ho8
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| Coordinates | 49°12′37″N 2°09′15″W / 49.2103°N 2.1542°W |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Restored, museum & memorial to slave labourers |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1941–1945 |
| Built by | Organisation Todt (Nazi Germany) |
| In use | 1941–45 |
| Materials | Concrete, steel, and timber |
| Events | Occupation of the Channel Islands |
Hohlgangsanlage 8, often called Ho8, is also known as the German Underground Hospital or the Jersey War Tunnels. It is a huge underground tunnel system in St. Lawrence, Jersey. German forces built these tunnels during World War II when they occupied Jersey.
More than 1 kilometer (about 0.6 miles) of tunnels were dug. After the war, the tunnels became a museum. Today, they teach visitors about the occupation of the Channel Islands.
Contents
Building the Tunnels: A Look at History
In October 1941, Adolf Hitler ordered the Channel Islands to be heavily fortified. This was part of a larger defense plan called the Atlantic Wall. Work began on many strongholds across Jersey, including Ho8.
Why Were the Tunnels Built?
Ho8 was planned as a massive network of tunnels. Its main purpose was to protect German soldiers from air raids and bombings. The Germans thought the Allies might try to invade Jersey.
Who Built the Tunnels?
Many workers were brought to Jersey to build these tunnels. Some were paid, skilled workers. Others were forced laborers from a group called the Organisation Todt. These workers came from places like Poland, France, Russia, and Republican Spain.
Conditions for many workers were very harsh. Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war faced the worst treatment. They often suffered from poor nutrition, exhaustion, and illness. Some even died. However, voluntary workers had much better conditions. They earned good wages and received extra food.
From Shelter to Hospital: A Change of Plans
By late 1943, it became clear that the Allies might invade Europe. This invasion was called Operation Overlord. Because of this, Ho8 was changed into an emergency hospital. It was designed to treat wounded soldiers.
The hospital had 500 beds for patients. It even had a heating and air conditioning system. The tunnels naturally stayed at about 17°C (63°F) because they were deep underground. Special gas-proof doors helped keep the air clean. A fully equipped operating room was also installed. Any tunnels that were not finished were sealed off.
The End of the War in Jersey
Despite all the preparations, the Channel Islands were never attacked. The German forces in the Channel Islands surrendered on May 9, 1945. This was one day after the rest of the German forces surrendered. After the surrender, Ho8 was no longer used. British soldiers and souvenir hunters took much of the equipment from the tunnels.
The Tunnels Today: A Museum and Memorial
In July 1946, the States of Jersey opened the tunnels to the public. Later, in 1961, the tunnels became privately owned.
What Can You See at the Jersey War Tunnels?
The complex was restored and now houses a museum. It displays items from the occupation period. It also serves as a memorial to those who suffered during the war. In 2001, a special exhibit called "Captive Island" opened. It shows what daily life was like for people in Jersey before, during, and after the occupation.
Today, Ho8 is usually called the "Jersey War Tunnels." The museum has also displayed military vehicles. These include a Char B1 bis tank that was used in Jersey during the occupation. As of 2012, a replica Stug III assault gun is also part of the collection.
See also
