Occupation

Before unveiling the commemorative stone on the Weighbridge roundabout the Bailiff officially welcomed the Queen to Guernsey. The Queen then gave a speech to the assembled crowd which was broadcast around the island.

Read the words below or use the links on the right to listen to the speeches.

Your Majesty,

I speak for every member of our Island community, when I express our heartfelt thanks to you, and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, for making the journey to these Islands to join with us in our celebrations of their Liberation 60 years ago from five long years of German Occupation. We welcome you with great loyalty and affection.

The Commemorative Stone.

Although with the passing of the years fewer members of our community hold personal memories – of those terrible times and the joy of 9th May, 1945, this annual commemoration of our Liberation continues to be a very important day for all of us. Today we reflect upon and give thanks for the freedom we have enjoyed under the protection of the Crown during the last sixty years.

I take this opportunity to recall the great support that your parents, Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth showed to the Liberated People of Guernsey in so expeditiously coming to visit them on 7th June 1945. Then, as always, the great affection, which our Island People hold for their Sovereign, was well demonstrated. 

Mr Bailiff,

Thank you for your welcome on behalf of the People of Guernsey and your expressions of loyalty and affection.

Prince Philip and I are happy to be in Guernsey on this sixtieth anniversary of liberation and to have joined in the Service of Thanksgiving. We were pleased to have the opportunity of meeting some of those who were liberated, evacuated or deported, and those who served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and were involved in the Island’s liberation.

On my five previous visits to the Bailiwick I have seen how you have put behind you the dark days of enemy occupation and maintaining your ancient privileges, have developed your institutions to bring peace and prosperity to these Islands. On this very special occasion I send my warmest good wishes to you all.