The Front Line 11 November 1918

A ceasefire was declared between the Allies and Germany on 11 November 1918 (Armistice Day), becoming effective at 11.00. On the final day of World War 1, 10,000 western front soldiers were killed, wounded or declared missing. Poor communication along the front line meant many units did not receive information abut the ceasefire until 9.00, by which time they had commenced fighting. In Mons cemetery, there are four British graves dated 11 November 1918. Seventy-five French soldiers and 863 Commonwealth soldiers also died on this day. There is less information about German casualties, but the last German soldier was shot as he approached American soldiers after 11.00 to inform them of the ceasefire. The Americans alone sustained 3,000 casualties when their commander, General Pershing, continued fighting despite knowing that the war had ended. While the world celebrated the end of the war, men were still dying.