Occupation

Press, 17 July 1979, Page 17

Occupation

A neatly bearded, elegantly uniformed, German officer stands in the streets of Guernsey. He is Major Richter, Kommandant of the German occupying forces. Guernsey is the setting for the 13-part “Enemy at the Door,” beginning on Television One tonight. It looks at life for the Channel Islanders under German occupation. For once the Germans are seen not as bulletheaded bully boys but as real people without, any great political motivation. And Major Richter is portrayed as a sympathetic character — “the civilized enemy” as one critic described him. The series begins on .lune 30. 1940 — rhe date on which, after the fall of France, the decision was

made by the British Government not to defend them any longer, I'l.e people are left to await with (Jread the inevitable arrival of German occupying forces. A Controlling Committee is set, up by the Islanders to liaise with the Germans and Dr Phillip Martel (played by Bernard Horsfall) becomes a key member. The members of the committee are summoned to a hotel to meet, the German officers who are to command the occupying forces. With Major Richter (Alfred Burke of “Public Eye” fame) are the officers who will .be responsible for discipline among both the civilian and military population. The, committee members listen helplessly while Major Richter's orders for the Island are read out.