LL-L "History" 2003.09.24 (11) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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L O W L A N D S - L * 24.SEP.2003 (11) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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A=Afrikaans Ap=Appalachian B=Brabantish D=Dutch E=English F=Frisian
L=Limburgish LS=Lowlands Saxon (Low German) N=Northumbrian
S=Scots Sh=Shetlandic V=(West)Flemish Z=Zeelandic (Zeêuws)
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From: John Duckworth <jcduckworth2003 at yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Language Contacts

Ron said:

"Firstly, the island was only a fraction of its original (already small)
size, because the British forces were in the process of blowing it to
smithereens and stopped only after a student protest drew international
attention to it."

I have heard before that the British attempted to destroy the island of
Heligoland. It might be a little off-topic, but do you, or does anyone else
have any idea why they tried to do such a foolish thing, especially as they
did so long after hostilities had ceased?

Regards,

John
Preston, UK.

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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: History

John,

I can only tell you what I know from the rumor mill.  Britain wanted to be
sure that Heligoland could never again be used for strategic purposes.
Under the circumstances of World War II, the island was in a strategically
advantageous location, was thus perceived as quite a threat to British
security: fairly far out at sea from the mouth of river Elbe, pointing in
the direction of Britain.  At that point in history, Britain did not trust
Germany at all, perhaps justifiably so, and had no way of knowing whether or
not there would be any resurgence of hostilities.  Plus, being the victors
and occupiers they were in charge and felt free to do as they darn well
pleased.  Of course, I am not offering this as an excuse, just as my
personal explanation of the political climate and mindset at the time.

Clearly, neither the British government nor the German ones really cared
about the island people and the fate of their culture and language.   I
wouldn't be surprised if they thought they were doing the islanders a favor
by settling them on the mainland and offering them new opportunities.

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron

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