INTRODUCTION The Channel Islands When Normandy was lost by the British Crown during the time of King John — in 1204 — to Philip Augustus, the Islands were not included in the settlement, and since then they have remained as the sole British possession of what was British continental territory. They are the oldest possession of the Crown, and they have a further distinction (if we may use such a term), the distinction of being the only British possession occupied by the German forces during the Second World War. The Islands lie near to the North West coast of France, and their position renders them peculiarly vulnerable under modern war conditions should the enemy hold the French side too. Whilst there are many Islands in the group, it is usual to regard the group as consisting of four — Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark. Their total area is small, only a matter of 75 square miles. Jersey is the largest, having an area of approximately 45 square miles. The climate is temperate, and warm weather is experienced during the summer months. The population is round 60,000, out of a total of just over 100,000 for the group. The principal occupation is agricultural, with potatoes, tomatoes, as well as the breeding of a special strain of cattle (noted from its comparative freedom from disease, and for the quantity and richness of the milk produced) well to the forefront. A large quantity of granite is also quarried and exported to the United Kingdom. Contrary to Guernsey, where the land slopes gently northwards, necessitating the use of glass houses for tomatoes and other produce, Jersey slopes southwards, and the production of tomatoes and other things can be carried on in the open air. Many thousands of tons of tomatoes are exported to the United Kingdom annually, as well as a much greater tonnage of potatoes. During the season, there is a considerable influx of tourists. As with the other Island in the group, Jersey's normal trade is almost solely with the United Kingdom. Basically, the population is of Norman stock, but, naturally, with the expansion of world trade and the continual movement of population everywhere, there are racial mixtures particularly from France and the U.K., the latter mainly consisting of those who find it attractive to retire there, principally, perhaps, because of financial advantage (the Income Tax is still lower than that payable in the United Kingdom). In the rural areas, the people in the main speak a language akin to the Norman, but chiefly elsewhere the English language has displaced others for general use. Although French may be regarded as the official language, business officially is mainly conducted in English. Jersey, which is divided into twelve parishes, is one of the two bailwicks in the Island, and there is a Lieutenant Governor, who represents the Queen. He is the official venue between the British Government and the government of the Island. The post of bailiff is a Crown appointment, and the bailiff holds the position of President of the Jersey parliament (The States, as it is known), as well as being the chief magistrate. There is no written constitution, although the constitution is an ancient one. The greater part of the administrative work is on a voluntary basis, this even applying to the majority of police work, and the posts are on an elected basis. The Royal Court, under an amended constitution (1958) consists of 12 jurats, who are elected for life, with the bailiff and the crown officers. The States (the Jersey parliament) consists of 12 senators, 12 constables and 28 deputies. These officials serve for 9, 3 and 3 years respectively. The bailiff, who is president of the Court, is the only unelected member of the States. Alexander Coutanche, whose mother was a descendant of the great Scottish leader Robert Bruce, was bailiff of Jersey at the outbreak of World War II, and at the beginning of the German Occupation of the Islands. He served as bailiff during the occupation, and was still serving in that capacity in October, 1960, when he completed 25 years in the same office. A banquet was held in his honour on October 20th, 1960, at which Her Majesty's Government was represented by the Home Secretary, the Right Honourable R. A. Butler. He was the recipient of a Knighthood in the Occupation Honours List in 1945. Victor Carey was bailiff of Guernsey (which includes Alderney and Sark) during the entire occupation. He also received a Knighthood in 1945.