History of the armistice that ended WW1
AFTER four terrible years, World War 1 finally came to an end with the signing of an armistice between the Allied Powers and Germany on November 11, 1918.
The fighting ceased at 11am — the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — 100 years ago.
At the time there were around 58,000 New Zealand troops serving overseas, including more than 24,000 on the Western Front.
Some of these men had been in action as recently as the week before the armistice, famously liberating the walled French town of Le Quesnoy on November 4.
In late December, New Zealand troops arrived in Cologne to form part of the Allied occupation force in Germany, but most were sent home between January and March 1919.
On the morning of November 12, when news of the armistice was announced in
New Zealand, people celebrated enthusiastically in cities and towns across the country: bells rang, sirens sounded and children banged on kerosene tin drums.
Communities came together, speeches were made and songs sung.
More organised celebrations followed later in the day.
Bunting went up, torchlight processions were held, and fireworks and bonfires lit up the night in many centres.