German fortification of Guernsey reduce the number and quality of troops required to defend the western ocean areas. Whilst the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine had their roles in protecting the islands from the Allies, the occupying forces put their main effort into land defences aimed at repelling a seaborne or airborne assault. The resulting construction work in the Channel Islands was extensive; it required thousands of workers and massive supplies of cement and steel. Tiny Guernsey received special treatment. It had the largest artillery pieces in the Channel Islands, tanks, and 12,000 troops: one soldier for every two civilians on the island, compared to France
Culture of Guernsey 19th-century novelty dance which also remains popular with costumed folklore groups in various parts of Europe. Some traditional folk songs such as "Jean, Gros Jean" and "J'ai perdu ma faumme" have survived. Groups such as "La Guaine du Vouêt" and "Les Dànsaeurs dé L'Assembllaïe D'Guernésiais" perform at events such as "Lé Viaer Marchi". According to Edith Carey (1903), the traditional "chifournie" had disappeared from Guernsey by the mid-nineteenth century. John Ireland settled for a time in Guernsey. Recently, Guernsey has hosted a live music event called Guernsey Live. This music festival has been one of the biggest events in the