What happened to the British army in the year after after the Armistice? Specifically regarding the advance to the Rhine and the occupation of Cologne and surrounding district? How many troops went? How did they get there (train? foot?)? How were they billeted? What were their duties? Were wives permitted to travel from the UK?
Has there been a military (rather than political or economic) history written about the British army in this period? Canyone give me a reference?
Thanks for any information.
Full Version: Life in the British Army of Occupation
There is a volume of the British Official History dedicated to this period (1918-1929). Author is Brig-Gen Sir James Edmonds. Original copies rather rare, but it has been reprinted (by IWM I think. I'll confirm when I get home tonight, unless anyone else does in meantime).
Later: I was right. The facsimile reprint was published in 1987 by HMSO for the Imperial War Museum. ISBN 0-11-290454-8.
Later: I was right. The facsimile reprint was published in 1987 by HMSO for the Imperial War Museum. ISBN 0-11-290454-8.
Hi Don
The 6th Division advanced into Germany, but I do not know how. The 1st K.S.L.I. of this Division crossed the frontier at Malmedy on December 16th, and arrived at Fussenich on December 23rd, remaining there until March 1919, when it broke up. The only other KSLI unit to go into Germany was the 7th Battalion, which on the 16th November began its march to Germany, via Frasnoy, Le Grand Sart, Neuf Mesnil, Ferriere la Grande, Bousignes, Thuin, Nalinnes, Biesmeree, Yvoir, Spontin, Natoye, Sinsin, Hotton, Ereeze, Oster le Batty, Joubieval, it crossed the frontier at Beho on 12th December arriving at Maldingen. Thence to Manderfeld, Kronenburg, Blankenheimendorf and Sievernich to their final destination at Golzheim where they remained until May 1919.
Sorry I can't tell you more
The 6th Division advanced into Germany, but I do not know how. The 1st K.S.L.I. of this Division crossed the frontier at Malmedy on December 16th, and arrived at Fussenich on December 23rd, remaining there until March 1919, when it broke up. The only other KSLI unit to go into Germany was the 7th Battalion, which on the 16th November began its march to Germany, via Frasnoy, Le Grand Sart, Neuf Mesnil, Ferriere la Grande, Bousignes, Thuin, Nalinnes, Biesmeree, Yvoir, Spontin, Natoye, Sinsin, Hotton, Ereeze, Oster le Batty, Joubieval, it crossed the frontier at Beho on 12th December arriving at Maldingen. Thence to Manderfeld, Kronenburg, Blankenheimendorf and Sievernich to their final destination at Golzheim where they remained until May 1919.
Sorry I can't tell you more
Thanks Chris and Annette for your information - will follow up. My grandmother (eight months pregnant) travelled to Cologne from Sheffield to meet up with my Grandfather T/Lt. Harry RANSON (2nd Battalion Yorks and Lancs) in December 1918 - it must have been an interesting (chaotic?) journey for her!
In regard to the Australian Corps, after the Armistice it was believed that they would help form the Army of Occupation in the Cologne area but the decision was made instead to start to send the Australian Corps home, thus the only Australian unit to participate in the occupation of Germany was No.4 Squadron Australian Flying Corps.
'This squadron entered Germany at 11.45am on December 7th, spent some days at Euskirchen, and arrived at the Bickendorf Aerodrome Cologne on December 14th. The two and a half months spent by No.4 Squadron at Cologne were uneventful. Soon after it's arrival it took over 150 surrendered aeroplanes of all types from the German Army, and exhibited for the delectation of German pilots the flying qualities of the Snipe.'
From 'Australian Flying Corps' by F.M.Cutlack
'This squadron entered Germany at 11.45am on December 7th, spent some days at Euskirchen, and arrived at the Bickendorf Aerodrome Cologne on December 14th. The two and a half months spent by No.4 Squadron at Cologne were uneventful. Soon after it's arrival it took over 150 surrendered aeroplanes of all types from the German Army, and exhibited for the delectation of German pilots the flying qualities of the Snipe.'
From 'Australian Flying Corps' by F.M.Cutlack
Just bringing this up since there was some discussion about the post war occupation of Germany in another thread. Andy
Hope this sheds some light on the matter for you, Don. It comes from some very old books but it may serve as an opening so that others may comment more fully.
' To a considerable extent the composition of the Allied troops moving towards the Rhine was governed by the plan of the closing battle arranged by Marshal Foch for November 14th. … The British 2nd army, under Sir Hubert Plummer, began to move below Brussels towards Liege, where it would swerve across the Meuse by Spa, on the road to Cologne. From the British 1st army the Canadian Corps, under Sir Arthur Currie, was appointed to continue the march from Mons and proceed towards Huy, on the Meuse, on the way to Bonn. From the British 3rd army the successful corps commander Sir Charles Fergusson was selected as governor of Cologne. Divisions of the British 4th army, under Sir Henry Rawlinson, moved across the Belgian border towards the Ardennes forest.
Towards the end of November some 40 divisions and strong cavalry forces of the associated armies were ready to move into German territory and occupy the ground and bridgeheads named in the armistice. '
Adapted from A Popular History of the Great War, Vol VI: The Armistice and After
The troops appear from this book to have marched to Germany.
Regards
Carninyj
' To a considerable extent the composition of the Allied troops moving towards the Rhine was governed by the plan of the closing battle arranged by Marshal Foch for November 14th. … The British 2nd army, under Sir Hubert Plummer, began to move below Brussels towards Liege, where it would swerve across the Meuse by Spa, on the road to Cologne. From the British 1st army the Canadian Corps, under Sir Arthur Currie, was appointed to continue the march from Mons and proceed towards Huy, on the Meuse, on the way to Bonn. From the British 3rd army the successful corps commander Sir Charles Fergusson was selected as governor of Cologne. Divisions of the British 4th army, under Sir Henry Rawlinson, moved across the Belgian border towards the Ardennes forest.
Towards the end of November some 40 divisions and strong cavalry forces of the associated armies were ready to move into German territory and occupy the ground and bridgeheads named in the armistice. '
Adapted from A Popular History of the Great War, Vol VI: The Armistice and After
The troops appear from this book to have marched to Germany.
Regards
Carninyj
Official History of the Canadian Army in the First World War [B]
- Canadian Expeditionary Force, 1914-1919, Colonel G. W. L. Nicholson, C.D., Army Historical Section
CHAPTER XVII AFTER THE ARMISTICE
The March to the Rhine
ALTHOUGH the signing of the Armistice brought an end of fighting for most
Canadians, new duties lay ahead. Several months were to elapse before the majority of
Canada's overseas forces returned to their homeland. For some, indeed, there were
tasks which would engage them in operations in more remote fields than any where
Canadians had previously served during the war.
Immediately after the conclusion of hostilities steps were taken to concentrate the
formations of the Canadian Corps as far forward as possible in preparation for the
forthcoming march to the Rhine. The 3rd Division was centred in Mons; the 2nd was on its
right, east of Frameries; and the 1st and 4th were in the rear about Jemappes and
Paturages, west and south-west of Mons respectively. The sector thus held by the
Canadians was about five miles wide.1 In accordance with the terms of the Armistice the
leading troops stood fast on the final cease-fire line, and examining posts were placed on
all roads to restrict the east-west movements of civilians. No fraternization or other
intercourse with the enemy was allowed, nor were the Germans permitted to approach the
Canadian lines. "I ordered commanders to pay the strictest attention to discipline and
smartness", wrote General Currie, "and especially the well-being of their men."
The Armistice had provided that Allied troops would advance to the left bank of the
Rhine and occupy a series of bridgeheads on the right bank at the principal
crossing-places, each bridgehead having a radius of thirty kilometres. British forces were
allotted a bridgehead which centred upon Cologne, and extended along the river from
Düsseldorf to south-east of Bonn. Under the plan which was originally approved the
Second and Fourth Armies would occupy the British bridgehead. The Canadian Corps on
the right and the 2nd British Corps on the left would lead the Second Army's advance. The
selection of their Corps to take part in the occupation was a distinction that the Canadians
prized highly. The 1st and 2nd Divisions (the senior formations of the Corps) would be in
the Canadian van, followed later by the 3rd and 4th Division.
On Sunday, 17 November, a day of thanksgiving, representatives of Canadian units
attended special services in the Mons churches. In honour of the liberating troops the city's
carillon played "O Canada". At nine o'clock on the following morning, leading units of the
1st and 2nd Canadian Divisions crossed the outpost lines and commenced the march to
the Rhine. Each division proceeded in three brigade columns, on separate routes. Those
of the 1st Division on the left, had Cologne as the destination; the 2nd Division on the right
headed towards Bonn. A cavalry screen advanced one day's march ahead of the leading
infantry, and each column provided its own close protection, in which it was assisted by
cavalry and cyclists attached from Corps Troops. The whole 250-mile march was
conducted under operational conditions, and all military precautions were taken against
surprise. To ensure a smooth take- over from the enemy the country had been divided into
zones. The Germans had orders to deposit war material at selected places in each zone
and to withdraw from the area the day before the Allies entered it.6 Before the 3rd and 4th
Divisions could set out, however, supply difficulties necessitated a change in the general
plan for the advance. The almost complete destruction of all railways and roads in the old
battle areas made it impossible to maintain two armies on the move and at the same time
provide for the Belgian civilian population. Accordingly the Second Army now went
forward alone. The Canadian occupation force was reduced to the 1st and 2nd Divisions,
together with Corps Headquarters and some Corps Troops already on the march. The 3rd
and 4th Divisions, with the 8th Army Brigade Canadian Field Artillery and the 1st and 3rd
Brigades Canadian Garrison Artillery, were transferred to the 4th Corps, of the Fourth
Army. They remained billeted in Belgium until moving back to England, on the way to
demobilization.
Nevertheless despite rain, the hilly country, and short rations, the men's spirits
remained remarkably high. A Special Order of the Day issued by General Currie called on
the troops to remain "a close-knitted army in grim, deadly earnest", and to give German
agents scattered through the country no opportunity of reporting any weakness or
"evidence of disintegration of your fighting power". To that end the highest standard of
discipline was insisted on, whether on the march or at the halt. "In short", the order
continued, "you must continue to be, and appear to be, that powerful hitting force which has
won the fear and respect of your foes and the admiration of the world."
Magnificently the
Canadians responded. With bayonets fixed and flags flying the leading troops crossed the
German frontier at nine o'clock on the morning of 4 December, the 1st Division at Petit
Thier and the 2nd at Beho. During the following days the other units entered Germany, the
pipes of the Highland battalions appropriately skirling "Blue Bonnets over the Border".
The morning of the 13th dawned dark and wet, and a steady rain poured down
throughout the day. The 1st Division crossed the Rhine* by South Bridge at Cologne,
marching past the G.O.C. Second Army, General Sir Herbert Plumer, while crowds of
Germans lining the streets of the city silently watched the steel-helmeted Canadians swing
by in full battle order. At the bridge at Bonn, General Currie, "after a very comfortable night
in His Majesty's bed",** witnessed the crossing and took the salute of the 2nd Division,
which marched past in an impressive column that extended for eighteen miles. Here the
civilian spectators were fewer in numbers, and equally undemonstrative. What was a
memorable day for the Canadians could only be one of humiliation for the people whose
armies they had helped to vanquish.
- Canadian Expeditionary Force, 1914-1919, Colonel G. W. L. Nicholson, C.D., Army Historical Section
CHAPTER XVII AFTER THE ARMISTICE
The March to the Rhine
ALTHOUGH the signing of the Armistice brought an end of fighting for most
Canadians, new duties lay ahead. Several months were to elapse before the majority of
Canada's overseas forces returned to their homeland. For some, indeed, there were
tasks which would engage them in operations in more remote fields than any where
Canadians had previously served during the war.
Immediately after the conclusion of hostilities steps were taken to concentrate the
formations of the Canadian Corps as far forward as possible in preparation for the
forthcoming march to the Rhine. The 3rd Division was centred in Mons; the 2nd was on its
right, east of Frameries; and the 1st and 4th were in the rear about Jemappes and
Paturages, west and south-west of Mons respectively. The sector thus held by the
Canadians was about five miles wide.1 In accordance with the terms of the Armistice the
leading troops stood fast on the final cease-fire line, and examining posts were placed on
all roads to restrict the east-west movements of civilians. No fraternization or other
intercourse with the enemy was allowed, nor were the Germans permitted to approach the
Canadian lines. "I ordered commanders to pay the strictest attention to discipline and
smartness", wrote General Currie, "and especially the well-being of their men."
The Armistice had provided that Allied troops would advance to the left bank of the
Rhine and occupy a series of bridgeheads on the right bank at the principal
crossing-places, each bridgehead having a radius of thirty kilometres. British forces were
allotted a bridgehead which centred upon Cologne, and extended along the river from
Düsseldorf to south-east of Bonn. Under the plan which was originally approved the
Second and Fourth Armies would occupy the British bridgehead. The Canadian Corps on
the right and the 2nd British Corps on the left would lead the Second Army's advance. The
selection of their Corps to take part in the occupation was a distinction that the Canadians
prized highly. The 1st and 2nd Divisions (the senior formations of the Corps) would be in
the Canadian van, followed later by the 3rd and 4th Division.
On Sunday, 17 November, a day of thanksgiving, representatives of Canadian units
attended special services in the Mons churches. In honour of the liberating troops the city's
carillon played "O Canada". At nine o'clock on the following morning, leading units of the
1st and 2nd Canadian Divisions crossed the outpost lines and commenced the march to
the Rhine. Each division proceeded in three brigade columns, on separate routes. Those
of the 1st Division on the left, had Cologne as the destination; the 2nd Division on the right
headed towards Bonn. A cavalry screen advanced one day's march ahead of the leading
infantry, and each column provided its own close protection, in which it was assisted by
cavalry and cyclists attached from Corps Troops. The whole 250-mile march was
conducted under operational conditions, and all military precautions were taken against
surprise. To ensure a smooth take- over from the enemy the country had been divided into
zones. The Germans had orders to deposit war material at selected places in each zone
and to withdraw from the area the day before the Allies entered it.6 Before the 3rd and 4th
Divisions could set out, however, supply difficulties necessitated a change in the general
plan for the advance. The almost complete destruction of all railways and roads in the old
battle areas made it impossible to maintain two armies on the move and at the same time
provide for the Belgian civilian population. Accordingly the Second Army now went
forward alone. The Canadian occupation force was reduced to the 1st and 2nd Divisions,
together with Corps Headquarters and some Corps Troops already on the march. The 3rd
and 4th Divisions, with the 8th Army Brigade Canadian Field Artillery and the 1st and 3rd
Brigades Canadian Garrison Artillery, were transferred to the 4th Corps, of the Fourth
Army. They remained billeted in Belgium until moving back to England, on the way to
demobilization.
Nevertheless despite rain, the hilly country, and short rations, the men's spirits
remained remarkably high. A Special Order of the Day issued by General Currie called on
the troops to remain "a close-knitted army in grim, deadly earnest", and to give German
agents scattered through the country no opportunity of reporting any weakness or
"evidence of disintegration of your fighting power". To that end the highest standard of
discipline was insisted on, whether on the march or at the halt. "In short", the order
continued, "you must continue to be, and appear to be, that powerful hitting force which has
won the fear and respect of your foes and the admiration of the world."
Magnificently the
Canadians responded. With bayonets fixed and flags flying the leading troops crossed the
German frontier at nine o'clock on the morning of 4 December, the 1st Division at Petit
Thier and the 2nd at Beho. During the following days the other units entered Germany, the
pipes of the Highland battalions appropriately skirling "Blue Bonnets over the Border".
The morning of the 13th dawned dark and wet, and a steady rain poured down
throughout the day. The 1st Division crossed the Rhine* by South Bridge at Cologne,
marching past the G.O.C. Second Army, General Sir Herbert Plumer, while crowds of
Germans lining the streets of the city silently watched the steel-helmeted Canadians swing
by in full battle order. At the bridge at Bonn, General Currie, "after a very comfortable night
in His Majesty's bed",** witnessed the crossing and took the salute of the 2nd Division,
which marched past in an impressive column that extended for eighteen miles. Here the
civilian spectators were fewer in numbers, and equally undemonstrative. What was a
memorable day for the Canadians could only be one of humiliation for the people whose
armies they had helped to vanquish.
For what it's worht I have a photo entitled, 'US troops crossing the Moselle into Germany'.
It's totally false. It is in fact US troops crossing the river Sure in Luxembourg (the houses in the background are still there and identifiable and anyway, the Moselle is about four times wider than the river in the picture).
It's totally false. It is in fact US troops crossing the river Sure in Luxembourg (the houses in the background are still there and identifiable and anyway, the Moselle is about four times wider than the river in the picture).
My grandfather, with the 31st Battalion CEF, marched from Mons to Beuel. I showed this map to a friend from Belgium who remarked "They could have cosen an easier route!".
marc
marc
Thanks for all this information ... I stand corrected about the absense of an Allied Occupation ...
Andy... I think your other question -was it meaningful- is still up for debate. Andy
Hello Andy
We all students of this conflict ... any every day I hope I learn something new and, where necessary, discard something no longer valid.
Open, honest debate, with referenced material should always be promoted - that is the strength of the Great War Forum and the CEF Study Group.
We all students of this conflict ... any every day I hope I learn something new and, where necessary, discard something no longer valid.
Open, honest debate, with referenced material should always be promoted - that is the strength of the Great War Forum and the CEF Study Group.
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