Channel Island Military Museum
Channel Island Military Museum
Damien Horn's museum in a German bunker, the focus of which is the German Occupation from 1940 to 1945, has been a key location for history enthusiasts and those looking to learn more about the Occupation for many years.
This page is based on a 2024 Bailiwick Express article, with pictures from that article and the museum's Facebook page
"As a youngster of seven years old I became interested in the Occupation and all things connected to it," explained the owner and founder Damien Horn.
"I started to acquire items by asking family and friends if they had anything in their barns, sheds or garages that they could let me have."
Over the years, that collection grew and grew, to the point at which it only seemed right to find a way to display them.
1988 choice of location
The museum's bunker location was chosen back in 1988. It was thought to be well-suited because of the amenities found on the land it was on, which previously formed part of the Chateau Plaisir complex. The site had a disco, a cabaret room, three bars, a café/restaurant and a large car park. Over a dozen coaches a day would come in for lunch or to stop over.
Today the museum continues to welcome scores of visitors, and many "very kind" people have also donated items to Damien, a collector of 53 years, along the way.
"There are still items out there and I am still looking to acquire pieces, especially documents and photos for the museums archive," he explained.
New items
"I am continually looking for new items, and finding them is down to hard work, perseverance and a lot of luck.
"And having been involved in all things 'Occupation' for so long, people do come looking for me when they have items of interest."
There is a huge variety of interesting and unique items on display in the museum, as well as in the reserve collection.
Enigma machine
"Most people like to see the Enigma machine that is on display, which is one of two in the collection. Both were picked up locally and the story of them is told in the museum," Damien continued.
"Items with a proven local provenance, such as the original wooden road signs, the documents and photos from the time, bring the Occupation back to life."
Damien says he has always been keen to present the museum in a way that everyone can enjoy it.
He said: "As for the younger audience, I have made everything easily accessible to see, there's a lot to read and a great commentary to listen too.
"I don't go for gimmicks, I just keep it real.
"That way, both adults and children get a real feel for how it actually was, rather than dressing it up and losing sight of the reality of the time.
