**Clearly delighted, the general holds up the present from the Jegenstorf women’s choir, given to him as an honorary member at his Verte Rive home. Photo edited by Klaas Kaat.** Jegischtorfer Singlüt, photo: Raymond-A. Bech

How a women’s choir charmed a general during World War Two

Jegenstorf Castle was used as a command post by General Henri Guisan during the last months of the Second World War. Performances by the local all-female choir provided him with some welcome relief from his military duties.

Murielle Schlup

Freelance art historian and cultural scientist

“There was great excitement in Jegenstorf. A big surprise was in store.” These are the first words of Jegenstorf native Rosa Dürig’s entry in a photo and memory album dated September 1944. She was referring to a “dear, good and famous man,” who had been allocated quarters in the village – “something the whole community can be proud of”. An exhibition entitled ‘Aus der Arbeit der Landfrau’ (the fruits of the rural woman’s labour) curated by the rural women’s associations even had to be cleared “immediately on military grounds” from Jegenstorf Castle to make way for the new arrival. The man in question was none other than General Henri Guisan (1874–1960), who had chosen the castle as his command post. How did that come about?

The Allied landings and their impact on the ground

Following the surrender of France in June 1940, Switzerland had been surrounded by the Axis powers. On 25 July, General Henri Guisan announced the ‘Réduit’ (redoubt) strategy to all his senior officers assembled on the Rütli meadow. This basically involved focusing the defence effort on the Swiss alpine area. The general accordingly left his command post at Gümligen Castle and set up headquarters for him and his personal staff in Villa Cranz in Interlaken. The nature of the war changed following the Allied invasion in Normandy in June 1944 and the south of France in August. The opening up of this western front and the flare-up of manoeuvre warfare in France diminished the prospect of an attack on all fronts by the Axis powers, rendering the redoubt strategy obsolete. At the same time, Switzerland remained an island surrounded on all fronts by the European theatre of war. Guisan ordered reinforcements in the Jura Arc to prevent the belligerents trying to reach each other via Swiss territory.

**Operation Overlord: on 6 June 1944, the Allied troops carried out the D-Day landings on the Normandy coast and opened a second front in the west against the Third Reich.** Wikimedia

The general’s command post also had to be moved to reflect the new situation, and the farming village of Jegenstorf in Bern-Mittelland (central plateau) was chosen as his new headquarters. Guisan, who often visited his soldiers in the field, had easy access from Jegenstorf to the western border and the armed units in the Jura Arc. He was also closer to the national capital, the political centre of Switzerland, as well as a mere 10 km from Burgdorf, the new location of the advanced operations base.

Jegenstorf Castle: the general’s new command post

Jegenstorf Castle was selected as the general’s command post. Uninhabited since 1934, although open to the public as a museum from 1936, it had to be adapted to military purposes. That meant having an office with telephonists and secretaries plus rooms with technical facilities for radio operators and telegraphs. The commune provided everyday items, such as stools, washing facilities, wardrobes and gun racks. Tables could also be “requisitioned from the hostelries or schoolhouse” as recorded in meeting minutes from the time.

**Postal service staff in the Blue Room at Jegenstorf Castle.** Private archive Mario Marguth, photo: Hans von Allmen

**In the main room: General Guisan with officers from his personal staff, including chief-of-staff Bernard Barbey (front row left) and Guisan’s personal adjutant Mario Marguth (back row left).** Private archive Mario Marguth, photo: Hans von Allmen

The canteen was set up in the orangery. The ground-floor kitchen dating from the last major renovation in 1915/1916 was restored and fitted out as required. A grand room known as the ‘Marmorsaal’ (Marble Room) was where the general chose to dine with his closest colleagues. The directly adjoining main room was used to receive visitors during the day and for recreation in the evening. Bernese families provided the furniture needed to make it homely.

**Cards, cigarettes and Pernod: General Guisan and three members of his personal staff at the games table in the main room.** Private archive Mario Marguth, photo: Cinéac Genève

The castle had electricity, running water and central heating installed in 1915-1916, which – in addition to the many tiled stoves and chimneys – heated up the place. “It is a blessing to work in Jegenstorf in these late autumn days when the tiled stoves crackle in our panelled rooms,” wrote Guisan’s personal chief-of-staff Bernard Barbey in his diary. There was also an old bathroom and extra WCs in the former servants’ quarters, although additional latrines had to be installed along the village stream to the west of the castle. Officers and soldiers stayed in the castle barn and nearby schoolhouse, the general’s security detail, equal in size to a company, took up lodgings in the sports hall. The castle was heavily guarded, with soldiers and guard dogs patrolling through the night.

Jegenstorf Castle in the 1940s – “une vraie residence”, as the general called his last command post. — **Jegenstorf Castle in the 1940s – “une vraie residence,” as the general called his last command post.** Bern Historical Museum, photo: K. Buri

**Guisan and the officers from his personal staff in front of the south facade of Jegenstorf Castle.** Private archive Mario Marguth, photo: Hans von Allmen

On 6 October 1944, Barbey wrote in his diary: “The autumn storms are shaking the first leaves from the trees, causing ripples on the water. […] we [are going] from room to room and making the final arrangements.” Three days later Guisan was ready to move in. On 12 October, the association that ran the castle and the local council welcomed him with a pre-lunch drinks reception. The general took up residence in his walnut-panelled study next to his bedroom on the piano nobile with a view over the large castle pond. The film newsreel ‘Ein Tag im K.P. des Generals’ (‘A day in the general’s command post’) provides a detailed if somewhat staged overview of the general’s and personal staff’s working day. The scenes show Guisan meeting with his staff to exchange information and consult with them, signing important documents and correspondence, and visiting troops in the field. What is not shown is the constant stream of foreign military attachés and officers, Allied generals, business delegations, representatives of Swiss and Bernese authorities and members of the press visiting Jegenstorf Castle.

‘Ein Tag im K.P. des Generals’, film newsreel of 6 July 1945 (video in German and French). SRF, Cinémathèque Suisse

When taking a break from work, the general would go riding on his horse Nobs. He would occasionally stop in the village for a chat with the farmers, taking an interest in them and their work. Guisan, the son of a country doctor, had undergone agricultural training after completing his secondary education. Following his marriage to Mary Doelker, he became a ‘gentleman farmer’ on the Verte Rive country estate in Pully inherited from his father-in-law, where he oversaw the running of the extensive farmstead and stud farm.

Snapshot of the castle courtyard: Guisan riding his favourite horse, Nobs. — **Snapshot of the castle courtyard: Guisan riding his favourite horse, *Nobs*.** Privat archive Mario Marguth, unknown photographer

General Guisan’s 70th birthday

On 21 October 1944, shortly after moving into Jegenstorf, Guisan celebrated his 70th birthday. The down-to-earth general was a popular figure and his birthday cause for celebration, as Barbey recorded in his diary: “The general’s 70th birthday! An avalanche of letters, telegrams, articles, presents. The ground floor reception rooms resemble the backstage area on the evening of a major premiere. [...].”

**The iconic photograph was taken on the general’s 70th birthday.** Jegenstorf Castle Foundation, photo: Hans von Allmen

“Vigilance remains the watchword”

The German armed forces were retreating on all fronts by spring 1945, and their defeat was just a matter of time. However, the war was not over and troop morale still had to be maintained; the civilian population also needed encouragement. With his natural authority and humanity, Guisan embodied the Swiss spirit of resistance, which he kept alive by working to keep the people and military informed and onside. He addressed the public as follows on 6 April 1945: “Now, as the war moves towards its conclusion, I would like to remind you: we can leave no stone unturned if our tireless efforts are to be crowned with success […]. I want everyone near and far to know: the spirit of 1940 will endure and vigilance remains the watchword until the last shot has been fired in Europe.”

A few weeks before the end of the war: General Guisan called on the people to remain vigilant (video in German). SRF, Cinémathèque Suisse

The end of the war in Europe

The Second World War in Europe came to an end when Germany surrendered on 8 May 1945. Barbey recorded in his diary: “Today the guns actually fell silent. The general gathered his personal staff together in the castle courtyard and said some words to them”. Guisan issued the following order: “Pass on your courage, loyalty and sense of duty to posterity.”

The evening following the victory celebrations, Guisan’s sentries planted a peace tree to mark the memorable day. The copper beech still stands on Bernstrasse near the village centre. On 20 June 1945, the Federal Assembly acceded to General Guisan’s request to step down as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. President of the National Council Pierre Aeby thanked Guisan for his service to the country. The general responded briefly and succinctly: “I only did my duty. My duty as a soldier. My mission is over. I remain at the service of my country.”

Guisan and Jegenstorf women’s choir

Going back to Rosa Dürig’s mention of the famous visitor: her excitement about the general’s pending arrival in her village actually increased during the ensuing weeks and months. The young lady was a member of the Jegenstorf women’s choir, of which Guisan was a big fan. “There has always been something going on in the village since our general has been among us. The women’s choir quickly became known throughout the castle,” noted Dürig. Performances in the castle continued after the war. On 30 June 1945: “the entire choir is to come in their traditional costume. High-ranking guests are expected.” The foreign military men were treated to a number of songs, including a popular song about spring.

**The ladies were given ham sandwiches and nibbles with port wine, while Vaud native Guisan stuck to white wine.** Jegischtorfer Singlüt
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**The cheerful general with three radiant choir members.** Jegischtorfer Singlüt
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**Guisan in good spirits with the Jegenstorf all-female choir.** Jegischtorfer Singlüt
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**The general enjoying the singing from up close.** Jegischtorfer Singlüt
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Farewell ceremony on the Bundesplatz

The celebration to mark the end of active service, which also served as the general’s official retirement party, was held on the Bundesplatz in Bern on 19 August 1945. The elaborate military ceremony included honouring the flag and made for a festive extravaganza. A 20,000 strong crowd flooded Bern city centre. There were 1,000 official guests invited including all acting and former federal councillors as well as the presidents of all the cantonal governments. Henri Guisan delivered his retirement speech in front of the Federal Palace.

The celebration to mark the end of active service was held on 19 August 1945 on the Bundesplatz in Bern (video in German). SRF, Cinémathèque Suisse

The general gives his last briefing

Following the Bundesplatz ceremony, the general gathered his staff officers and active troop commanders from the regiment and directed them to return to his command post in Jegenstorf for a final briefing. They were accompanied on the way by marching music from brass band ‘Bereitermusik Bern’. About 400 officers from the various army corps stood – as five years before on the Rütli meadow – in a semi-circle on the castle grounds. In front of the head of the Military Department, Federal Councillor Karl Kobelt, and the chief of the main department of the Armed Forces Staff, the general delivered a long farewell speech, which he closed as follows: “Je reste votre camarade, votre aîné, celui à qui I’on peut venir confier un sujet de préoccupation, celui qui, toujours, volontiers, vous accueillera, vous donnera un conseil… Je vous confie le sort de notre Armée future: c’est là, pour moi, la meilleure manière de vous marquer ma reconnaissance. Messieurs, j’ai pris congé de vous. Mes vœux vous accompagnent.” (“I remain your comrade, your elder, the one you can come to with your concerns, who will always have time for you and offer advice… I place the fortunes of our future armed forces in your hands: that is, to me, the best way to show you my gratitude. Dear colleagues, I hereby take my leave. My best wishes remain with you.”)

**General Guisan beside Federal Councillor Karl Kobelt in front of the south facade of Jegenstorf Castle on 19 August 1945.** Private archive Mario Marguth, photo: Hans von Allmen

The village bids the general farewell

Active service officially ended on 20 August 1945. The general issued a last order of the day to his troops in Jegenstorf before stepping down. On 22 August, the communal council was invited to the castle by Guisan for an evening drinks reception. The commune reciprocated by holding a farewell party the following day at the Gasthof Kreuz hotel. The women’s choir was naturally in attendance: when the general arrived, the choir gave him a royal welcome “dressed in smart traditional Bernese attire,” they then “brightened up two tables with their presence,” wrote Dürig. Communal council president Jakob Iseli thanked the general “for his services to our armed forces and participation in the joy and suffering of our people”. Each course finished with a song by the choir. The repertoire included popular, patriotic folk songs. When asked if he wanted red or white wine, Guisan allegedly said in jest : “There’s no need to ask a Vaud native that. Of course I will have white wine!”

Guisan and his dance partner at his retirement party in Gasthof Kreuz. — **Guisan and his dance partner at his retirement party in *Gasthof Kreuz*.** Jegischtorfer Singlüt

For the “informal second part” of the evening, “everyone gathered round the big table like a family,” recorded Dürig. Guisan was made an honorary member of Jegenstorf women’s choir. He expressed his gratitude for this gesture as well as “the beautiful and artistically appealing performances” shortly thereafter in a letter to the choirmaster “in memory of the Chief of the Armed Forces always having enjoyed the first-class performances and traditional dress of your choirs”. After the last dance: “Our general took his leave. Everyone in attendance […] greatly enjoyed a memorable evening and they will not forget the great time had by all.” Before returning to his home canton of Vaud, the general wrote a thank-you letter to the commune in which he expressed his high opinion of the village: “[…] as a former farmer who has always been close to the land, I felt at home in this area and I was privileged to experience on many occasions the strong support and friendliness of the people. […] I will never forget you all, the familiar houses, the beautiful castle, the woods and meadows. May a guiding star always shine over you and your commune”.

The general hosts the choir

Guisan was evidently pleased by his – somewhat unusual for a general – honorary membership of Jegenstorf women’s choir, which he on occasion jokingly referred to as the “Frauenkorps” (women’s corp) or “Trachtenkorps” (a reference to their traditional costume). As a thank-you, he invited them all to visit him in Pully by Lake Geneva, and 43 members took up the invitation on 22 September 1945. As a present they brought him a stained glass window bearing the inscription: ‘UNSEREM EHRENMITGLIED HERRN GENERAL GUISAN GEWIDMET VOM FRAUEN- UND TÖCHTERCHOR JEGENSTORF 1945’ (to our honorary member General Guisan from Jegenstorf Women’s Choir 1945).

**General Guisan’s study in Villa Verte Rive. The glass pane presented by the choir...** Murielle Schlup

If you visit Villa Verte Rive, which is now a state-owned museum, and enter his former study, it is surprising to see this memento in a prominent position embedded in the windowpane at head height behind his desk.

More of: 20th / 21st century War/battle

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