It is just taken as a matter of course

[sovay]

I was sorry for the men on duty last night, especially the runners, for they were kept on the go all night long and Bill Rogers, who normally should have turned in soon after 10 p.m., had to remain on duty throughout the night. Consequently at 8 a.m. I went on duty and relieved him. We were anxiously awaiting orders when about 8.30 the 'Sounder' started to tap. Campbell was the Divisional Operator on duty and as the instrument ticked I read off 'Hostilities will cease . . .' That was enough. I had to suppress the jubilation in the Office in order to give Campbell a chance to get his message off. Before he had finished, the Office was crowded with enquirers. Mr. Bell came in and took the telegram while I appropriated a copy (I kept this until some months after I got home and then it mysteriously disappeared and although I have turned the whole house inside out three or four times there is no trace of it anywhere) . . . Our orders for the day were merely to remain where we were, but the 123rd and 124th Brigades had orders to push forward as far as possible and not halt until 11 a.m., securing, if they could, the passage of the River Dendre. From information that has come through during the day, I doubt if they have got quite so far. There was not much gun firing this morning and what there was ceased at 11 a.m. except for an isolated gun that kept banging away until 3 p.m. I understand that this was an Australian Battery that had got out of touch with headquarters and consequently had not received the 'cease-fire' order. But I have my doubts. I fancy they were having a little bit of 'own back'.

This evening we celebrated the Event by having a little dinner in another estaminet. There were just the NCOs from Brigade HQ and our own officer (Mr. Bell). It was a humble repast for there is no spare grub in the village; but Joe Laycock went on his motorcycle and brought back a few things, and the landlord dug up some bottles of special wine which had been buried since 1914. So we had a mild carouse from 7 till 10.30, after which we slept the sleep of the just.

—Sapper Albert "Jack" Martin, 11.11.18 Armistice Day

Comments

[selidor]

The Maritime Museum had a lot of little wreaths on one of the floating exhibits, and the Sydney Chinatown servicepeople's memorial had many poppies, fixed by particular names with blutack on the granite. The Central railway station (rather a lovely imposing sandstone building) flew its flag at half mast.

I am glad that his words survived.

[sovay]

The Maritime Museum had a lot of little wreaths on one of the floating exhibits, and the Sydney Chinatown servicepeople's memorial had many poppies, fixed by particular names with blutack on the granite.

I am glad of that. ladymondegreen sent me photos from a parade in New York where they sang in Yiddish like the Andrews Sisters for the USO.

I am glad that his words survived.

The fact that he saved his words is what amazes me. The book is worth seeking out.