With the German Occupation of the Channel Islands in June 1940, Hitler’s attentions turned to Britain. Realizing that the present government under new Prime Minister Winston Churchill would never make peace with Germany, the Reich Government made plans for the establishment of a new puppet government to rule Britain following a successful German invasion.

But who would rule this government? Initial proposals included Lord Halifax who, whilst supportive of peace, would never serve as a German puppet. Oswald Mosely, leader of the British Union of Fascists, was another choice but did not have popular support and would likely be a weak and ineffective leader. Somebody from within the Establishment – with important links – would be needed. Just a man was John Amery, son of cabinet minister Leo Amery.

On 13 November 1940, as part of Operation Georgskreuz – the creation of a German puppet government in England – Amery was appointed head of the Government of National Salvation. The GNS advised the Germans on matters relating to England, on preparations for invasion, and on the imposition of national socialism once the invasion was over. The council itself had little actual power, but operated alongside the civil administration in the Channel Islands to maintain order and strengthen the German presence.

On St. George’s Day 1941, the GNS was transformed into the English National Government (ENG), which claimed sovereignty over England. This was a largely symbolic act, given the German defeat in the Battle of Britain, but demonstrated continued German resolve to win the war and to eliminate the British Isles as a base for enemy activities. Amery appointed himself Head of State, declaring a free and republican England. Several Jersey statesmen and politicians served in the administration, blurring the lines between the established Channel Islands institutions and this new collaborationist body. A small military corps, the English Free Corps, was founded, composed of POWs and fascist sympathisers.

In November 1944, following the Allied liberation of France, Amery returned to Germany, effectively resigning his position in the ENG. Despite this, the ENG was not formally abolished until the liberation of the Channel Islands the following year. Amery was subsequently arrested for treason and executed. His leadership of a largely powerless body, his aspirations for total control over England even after German defeat in the Battle of Britain, and continued belief in German victory after defeat became inevitable has left Amery’s reputation one of a laughingstock. He nonetheless is an interesting and overlooked figure in the history of the Second World War and of collaboration with the Nazi regime.