my grandfather was the telegraphist on duty in 2 corps HQ on 11/11/1918. He kept the carbon copy of the signal containing the orders for the ceasefire. It is now very faded but I thought I might share it with you all. I have a scan of the first page and a transcript of the words
Click to view attachment
Prefix: Code 0745 words 211
Received from: BY Hepburn
Service instructions:
Handed in at: office 0745 received 0811
To 2 cops
Senders no: g500 day of mouth 11
Para 1 AAA
At and from 11:00 on the 11 hour fixed for the suspension of hostilities in accordance with the armistice a line of picquets will be formed on the outpost line of the front occupied by the second army with examining posts under officer on every road leading in the direction of the enemy and ….. point of junction with the French troops on the north and the fifth army on the south AAA
Para 2 AAA
No officer NCO or man will be allowed on any …pretence… what ever to go in advance of the line of …picquets.. AAA
Should anyone approach he is to be sent back to his own lines immediately. In the event of the… of a message . . . .arriving.. at the …outpost… the message will be .. received.. but the …barer,, will be sent back to his own lines AAA
Para 3 AAA
No civilian will be allowed to pass through the line of picquet in either direction AAA
Para 4 AAA
Any person …breaking… the…armistice…is.. liable to become a prisoner of war AAA
Para 5 AAA
The …. Of the …armistice.. is under no reason for relaxation of vigilance in the service of … or in readiness for action aaa
Para 6 AAA
Any case of infringement of this order or of fraternity in any form with enemy troops will be very severely dealt with AAA
ADSD 10 and 19 CORPS 2 BDE RAF … All concerned
From second army
Time 07:15
regards
david