The detective who became a historian of occupied islands

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: John Nettles is famous for playing police detectives, but his most enduring legacy involves uncovering the uncomfortable truths of wartime collaboration. Beyond the screen, he has spent decades documenting the complex history of the Channel Islands during their German occupation in World War II.

While John Nettles achieved household fame as Jim Bergerac and later Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby, his work as a historian is equally significant. His interest in history began at the University of Southampton, where he studied philosophy and history before entering the Royal Court Theatre. This academic foundation eventually informed a career that balanced high-profile television roles with rigorous historical documentation.

Nettles became a focal point for local controversy when he produced 'Channel Islands at War' in 2010 to mark the 70th anniversary of the German invasion. The documentary sparked backlash from some Jersey residents who accused him of implying local collaboration. Nettles justified his production by arguing that people living under foreign rule were forced into a dilemma: "It was impossible to escape cooperating with the ruling force..." Failure to obey their commands would have resulted in execution.

His commitment to this history is evidenced by several publications, including 'Jewels and Jackboots' (2012) and his 2019 publication of Reverend Douglas Ord’s diaries from the occupation of Guernsey. These works provide a nuanced look at life under Nazi rule. His deep connection to Jersey also stems from filming 'Bergerac' there, leading him to write two travel guides and personal views on the island's landscape and people.

Nettles eventually retired from acting but remains an active narrator and author. His career reflects a transition from portraying fictional law enforcement to preserving the actual history of how communities survived under extreme duress.

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