German WW2 hospital bunker to open to the public

Visit Alderney said restoring the building would help "safeguard it for the future"

A German World War Two hospital bunker will open to the public in July, Visit Alderney has announced.

The bunker, off Longis Road, Alderney, is the only one of its design in the Channel Islands.

The hospital was built in 1943 by forced labourers under the orders of the German occupying forces and was used by the German army.

Visit Alderney said: "We are excited to be opening the hospital bunker to the public where both visitors and residents can learn more about World War Two in Alderney."

It said: "As always, we are very grateful to the volunteers who continue to help with these projects and to historian Colin Partridge for his invaluable insights into the bunker’s past and his ability to explain it so clearly.

"Restoring this building not only safeguards it for the future but also adds another fascinating visitor attraction in our ongoing attempt to improve Alderney’s tourism offering.’"

When in use, the bunker contained bunk beds for up to 30 patients

When in use, the bunker contained bunk beds for up to 30 patients, an admissions room and a treatment room capable of dealing with major operations.

The 118b type bunker has been restored and now includes information boards as well as a staged treatment room that includes an operating table.

A ribbon cutting will take place for the opening on 6 July.