The unveiling took place yesterday lunchtime, accompanied by two six-month-old heifers, who spent their lunchtime in Market Square.
‘We are here today to commemorate the rediscovery of a historic plaque – one that was hidden for many years amid renovations and redevelopments of the Market buildings. Its significance having faded with the passing of time and a generation of islanders,’ said Guernsey Dairy managing director Andrew Tabel.
‘While we cannot be certain of its original placement, we do know that during the redevelopment of the Market buildings, the plaque was moved to the top floor of the market above Guernsey Registry. It was only when Marco Ciotti, secretary and ADC to the Lt-Governor, happened to come across it that the odyssey to uncover its origins began.’
Watch: Lucy Rouget spoke to RGA secretary Liz Naftel
The plaque was gifted to Guernsey in 1960 by a group of Americans and serves as a tribute to the courage of Guernsey people, particularly during the Occupation and the following decade.
During the Occupation, American Guernsey cattle breeders feared for the survival of the island’s celebrated breed and established the American (Island Memorial) Gift Fund to support local farmers in restoring the number of livestock lost during the German occupation. This effort culminated in a donation of $22,294 in 1947 – equivalent to almost $315,000 today – which was used to buy a property at the bottom of Cornet Street.
It was sold in 2022.
The origins of the plaque trace back to the American author Alfred Campbell, who was inspired by his time in Guernsey in the 1930s.
‘I think it’s really exciting,’ said Liz Naftel of Les Fauconnaires Farm and secretary of the Royal Guernsey Agricultural & Horticultural Society.
‘It shows just how far Guernsey cattle have gone. They’re not only in America, but in South Africa, Canada, all over the UK. They are worldwide.’
The plaque is on display at the new Visitor Information Centre.
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