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The Channel Islands Military Museum has been a key location for history enthusiasts and those looking to learn more about the Occupation for many years... but it would never have come to be were it not for a young boy's passion for collecting.
"As a youngster of seven years old I became interested in the Occupation and all things connected to it," explained 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.
Pictured: Damien said he is "continually looking for new items".
The museum's bunker location was chosen back in 1988. It was thought to be well-suited due to the amenities found on the land it was on, which previously formed part of the Chateau Plaisir Complex.
The site had a disco, a Caberet room, three bars, a café/restaurant and a very large carpark as well. 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.
Pictured: Damien said he is keen to give both adults and children a feel for how the Occupation "really was".
"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 in display in the museum, as well as in the reserve collection.
"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."
The Channel Island Military Museum is open in St Ouen's Bay until the end of October. Entry for adults is £8 and children £5, under fives are free.
If you are interested in finding out more about the German Bunker museum, a link to the Facebook page can be found HERE.
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