75 years since Guernsey deportees set free

Thursday 23 April 2020

Today marks 75 years since the liberation of Lager Lindele in Biberach - a camp where many Guernsey people were imprisoned during World War II.

The Bailiff, Sir Richard Collas, has sent a message to the Biberach community to mark the occasion, which can't be commemorated in the usual way this year because of the covid-19 outbreak.

"I would like to take this opportunity to give my thanks and those of the Bailiwick to all those in Biberach and in Guernsey who have worked so hard to foster links and ensure reconciliation between our two communities, after a link which began for all the wrong reasons," he said.

Pictured: The Bailiff, Sir Richard Collas.

"While not forgetting the events of the War, this event is another occasion on which to celebrate the friendship which now exists between our two communities. It is so important that our communities can live in peace with one another and that our children and our children's children learn to appreciate the value of the freedom that we enjoy today."

Lager Lindele was liberated on 23 April 1945, just before the end of the war in Europe.

"I look forward to being able to visit your beautiful town again in less uncertain times," added the Bailiff. "In the meantime, I wish you all good health and a speedy return to normality."