Document of the Month

November 2008

Postcard marking the Armistice, 11 November 1918

Reference: DD/1539/1

November 2008 marks ninety years since the signing of the Armistice, ending the First World War. On 11 November 1918 the worst conflict the world had so far seen was over.

Nottinghamshire Archives holds a range of diaries, letters and accounts of the war. This postcard shows the colours of the 59th, the second Nottinghamshire regiment, displayed in St Mary's church in Nottingham. The reverse features a short message written on the very day the Armistice was signed:

"The glorious news of 'the signing of the armistice' reached here shortly before 11.0 am. Hip-Hip-Hurrah!!!".

The postcard was written to Lieutenant A J Rowland, of the second Leicestershire regiment, who was based with the Indian Expeditionary Force in Egypt. The absence of a stamp suggests the postcard was never sent.

A bronze First World War memorial was later erected on the north wall of the chancel in St Mary's church.

See the postcard in more detail here [PDF 873KB]

Do you have a comment or question about this image? Contact us for more information.

Please read our notice relating to copyright.