15e22c9f_DiaryNov18_htm__Diary
[Place] TOURPES [Date] 11th Nov [Diary] 
Operation Orders to the effect that the Battalion would pass through the 8th Seaforth Highlanders were issued. The first company left TOURPES at 0630 hours on the morning of the 11th and thereafter we became front line Battalion. About 11.20 am we were moving over open country first west of and then in sight of CHIEVRES when news of the Armistice was brought. Rumours had been circulating during the morning and the news wasn�t altogether unexpected but when it was given out officially the men cheered and sang. It was altogether a strange picture. The companies were moving forward with outposts well ahead and on receipt of the news, the Battalion seemed to assemble at lightening speed and continued to march in column of fours, whistling and singing. Not a shot had been heard and no Bosche had been encountered. We were now close to CHIEVRES and instructions were issued for the Battalion to billet there. A billeting party went on ahead. The reception at D�RODERIE has already been written about but it was as nothing compared to the reception [continues from this point in different handwriting] given to the Battalion at CHIEVRES. The streets were lined by civilians who cheered us as we passed and handed us all sorts of gifts. In the afternoon a guard of honour headed by the town band waited on Major Wood, who was then in command and he along with other officers from Headquarters was marched to the Town Hall where he was officially received by the Mayor M. Emille Dooms, and acclaimed hero of the town. After the ceremony a minute was entered in the town records and signed by each of the officers present. It was altogether a remarkable day and the wildest scenes of enthusiasm on the part of both civilians and soldiers were witnessed.
DiaryNov18.htm
Diary