London: The Evening News, 1918. Newsprint broadsheet (643 x 444). 2 pp. (not examined outside sleeve), printed in black with red "6:30" edition (?) stamp. Toned, particularly along the two folds, some evidence of staining and marginal tears (not objectionable). A remarkable survival, preserved in very good condition. Very good. Item #4576

ONE OF THE VERY FIRST PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE ARMISTICE OF WWI. OUR BROADSIDE FORMED PART OF THE MORNING EDITION (STAMPED 6:30 IN RED) WHICH PROCLAIMS THE COMMUNIQUE OF PRIME MINISTER DAVID LLOYD GEORGE: "THE ARMISTICE WAS SIGNED AT FIVE O'CLOCK THIS MORNING, AND HOSTILITIES ARE TO CEASE ON ALL FRONTS AT 11 A.M. TO-DAY." THIS PRECEDES THE UNILLUSTRATED HOME EDITION OF THE SAME PAPER IN WHICH THE HISTORIC EVENTS ARE GIVEN AS "FAITS ACCOMPLIS."

"In the early hours of 11 November, final terms were laid out and at 5.12am, the armistice was signed. It declared the 'cessation of hostilities by land and in the air six hours after the signing'. Terms of the agreement included: the immediate German withdrawal from the territories they had acquired during the conflict; the disarmament and demobilisation of the German military; and the release of Allied prisoners. The terms made it impossible for Germany to resume any fighting.

"This was the last of the September - November 1918 armistices between the warring nations, and peace came into effect six hours after the armistice was signed, at 11am - or at the 'eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.' It has been estimated that during the time between the signing and the announcement of peace [i.e. less than SIX HOURS], the war produced a further 11,000 casualties." (SOURCE: Regiment Support Service, History of Amistice Day, online).

Scarce in such good condition.

Price: $650.00