Twinning signs unveiled in Masnieres

Monday 10 May 2021

St Peter Port was twinned with the French town of Masnieres in 2019; however, due to the covid pandemic the signs have only just been unveiled.

Masnieres is the site of “Guernsey’s finest hour” during World War One. The Royal Guernsey Light Infantry lost 500 soldiers whilst holding the line during the Cambrai offensive.

“On the 30 November 1917 the RGLI stood in line against the German soldiers and preserved the frontline,” said Chairman of the RGLI Charitable Trust, Chris Oliver.

Pictured: The RGLI Charitable Trust was set up in 2016 to celebrate and promote the legacy of the RGLI.

Members of the trust visited Masnieres and asked the town to twin with St Peter Port. In 2019, dignitaries visited Guernsey and signed documents with the Bailiff to officially twin the two.

Celebrations were in order and there were plans for charity bike rides and student exchange trips. Unfortunately, covid put a stop to a lot of this and Masnieres has only just unveiled signs highlighting its twinning with the island.

“We wanted to turn the commemorative into the cultural,” said Mr Oliver.

Now the twinning is complete with signs in both St Peter Port and Masnieres there are plans for a ‘historical staycation’ on the weekend of 29 May. You can find out more about the RGLI and its commemorative plans online.