La Seigneurie

The surrender papers were signed by the German Commandant Hauptmann Magsam and witnessed by the British Colonel Allen on 10th May 1945 in Rosebud Cottage on Mill Lane. From here the British liberating party followed Dame Sibyl Hathaway to her residence, La Seigneurie.

After instructing her gardener to dig up some hidden bottles of Champagne, Dame Sibyl provided refreshments for the British troops and discussed what actions needed to be taken whilst she was to be left in charge of the German garrison over the impending days. Colonel Allen had authorised Dame Sibyl to give any necessary orders to the German garrison remaining on the island. In consequence she ordered the German soldiers to reconnect the telephone lines to facilitate permanent contact with Guernsey, remove the land mines and anti-glider posts, return the confiscated radio sets and hand over their horses to Sark farmers.

Just hours after arriving at La Seigneurie, the entire liberating party of British troops returned to Guernsey leaving the Dame in command until they returned on 17th May 1945.