11-nov

You can find the photograph of this print in the downloads section [...] At 0505, we reached agreement on the final wording. It was agreed that in order to put an end to hostilities as quickly as possible, the final page of this text would be typed out and signed immediately. At 0510, the allied and German representatives signed it. 5 am was conventionally agreed as the time of the signing. [...] Marshall Foch declared the session closed and the German delegates left. The following telegram was immediately sent to the whole of the front by radio and communicated by telephone to the Commanders in Chief: 1. Hostilities will cease along the whole front from the 11th November at 11 am, French time. 2. Until further orders, allied troops will not advance beyond the line reached on this date at this time. This precise position must be noted. 3. All communication with the enemy is forbidden until instructions have been received by the Army Commanders.

Throughout the morning, various documents were sent to the German representatives. Their train left the depot at Rethondes at 11.30 for Tergnier, where they were to recover their vehicles. On their request, everything was done to facilitate the German Captain Geyer's return by aeroplane to German General Headquarters bearing the papers and the map. The officer left the Tergnier airstrip by aeroplane at around 12.30 pm. [...] On the 11th November at 11 am, firing ceased along the whole of the front occupied by allied forces. An impressive silence followed some fifty two months of fighting. People began to catch a glimpse of the reestablishment of world peace. The following day, I sent an agenda to the allied armies: Officers, sub-officers, and soldiers of the allied armies. After having resolutely stopped the enemy, for months on end you then attacked ceaselessly with unremitting faith and energy. You have won the greatest battle in history and defended the most sacred cause: world freedom. Be proud! You have protected your flags with undying glory. Future generations will be grateful to you. Marshall of France and Commander in Chief of the Allied Armies: F Foch.