Borkumhauser OT

Known as ‘Borkumhauser’ by the Germans, this Organisation Todt (OT) camp was located 350m to the east of Borkum camp. Only four structures existed here in July 1942 (one of which – Longis Villas – remains a private dwelling) but by September, the camp had tripled in size.¹ Construction continued to the east along Longy Road throughout 1943 and the complex eventually included huts, bunkers and a dugout shelter.² It was also close to the headquarters of the Construction Superintendent of the OT Representative (now Devereux House).³

On a 1943 map of Alderney produced by the British Military Intelligence Division (M.I.19)⁴ (based on eyewitness reports and testimony from former inmates), the site of Borkumhauser is labelled as ‘OT Lazarett’ (hospital) and at least two of the other structures present appear to have been convalescent huts.⁵

An ammunition storage tunnel built using forced and slave labour also exists to the south-west of Borkumhauser. Access to this tunnel is extremely difficult as it is overgrown and partially collapsed. However, internal investigation demonstrated a series of large storage areas in which the tool marks of construction are still visible. Modern buildings have been built on the footprints of several of the camp structures, but underground bunkers and the convalescent huts survive (albeit transformed into houses).⁶ Several concrete foundations and other features relating to the camp can also be found to the rear of the modern properties.

Recommended Reading List:

C. Sturdy Colls and K.S. Colls. ‘Adolf Island’: The Archaeology of the Occupation of Alderney (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2022).

References:

¹ NCAP, ACIU MF C0979, 20 July 1942; NCAP ACIU MF C1090, 30 September 1942.

² NCAP, ACIU MF C0704, 12 June 1944 shows the camp at its largest.

³ Davenport, T. 2003 Festung Alderney. Jersey: Barnes Publishing Limited, p. 71.

⁴ C. Sturdy Colls and K.S. Colls. ‘Adolf Island’: The Archaeology of the Occupation of Alderney (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2022).

⁵ TNA, HO 144/22834, ‘M.I.19 RPS 2141, Report, Channel Islands, Alderney: Further Interrogation of Informants of M.I.19 (RPS) 2122 and 2136’ 19 April 1944; Davenport, T. 2003 Festung Alderney. Jersey: Barnes Publishing Limited, p.70.

⁶ Bonnard, B. 1993 Alderney at War. Stroud: The History Press, p. 138