An outgoing man and a nature lover
Henri Guisan was born in Mézières (VD) in 1874 and went down in history as Switzerland’s most popular general.
His granddaughter tells us here what he was like personally and why she can still replicate his signature to this day.
Guisanplatz, avenue Général Guisan or via Generale Guisan – many streets and squares in Switzerland have been named in honour of the former commander-in-chief of the Swiss Armed Forces. Now, 150 years after the birth of the admired general, Swiss Post is commemorating him with a stamp. Who was Henri Guisan? In this interview, his granddaughter Françoise von Tscharner-Decoppet* takes a look back.
What was your relationship with your grandfather?
I had a strong connection with him. After the Second World War, my brother and I always spent our summer holidays at his Verte Rive estate on the shores of Lake Geneva, where he taught me how to ride and passed on his passion for horses to me. While he wasn’t a grandfather who tended to take things slowly, he showed and explained a great deal to us. As a former farmer, he remained a real nature lover and he had a lot to give us. We used to harvest fruit and vegetables for our meals in his garden. So I have many fond memories of him.
How would you describe him?
I found him to be a very sociable, outgoing and positive per- son. He often had people over or was asked out to events and occasions. Sometimes he took us with him. Whenever we were out and about together, he was recognized everywhere. I find it amazing that although he met so many people, he could remem- ber who they were when he saw them again. He was always interested in people – and people very much admired him. He was an exceptional figure back then. And I also benefited from that from time to time.
Now that sounds intriguing...
When I got up to mischief at school, I had the sense that I was less likely to be scolded.
How is it nowadays – are you often asked about your grand- father?
No, not any more. Those days are gone.
Partly because of the name perhaps?
Not only that, I think. In the past – that is to say among my generation – people could make the connection from my maiden name Decoppet to Guisan. But today, Henri Guisan is no longer much of a presence in Switzerland’s collective memory in gen- eral. By way of comparison: until the 1970s or 80s, it was still common for restaurants and households to have a picture of the general on the wall. That time is long gone – but I still think about him a lot.
Now a new stamp is being dedicated to him – what do you think?
I think that’s very nice, of course. But there was another one before it. (Note: An earlier Henri Guisan stamp was issued in 1969)
Was Henri Guisan interested in stamps?
Not that I know of. After the war, he continued to receive countless letters. When I was visiting him, I would go down to his office in the morning and help him open his many letters.
It was very important to him to reply personally with his thanks. So I practised his signature, even as a small child, and I think I could still replicate it today.
