Bells, flags and day off

News of armistice is celebrated in villages

News that the war was finally over prompted celebrations in towns and villages across Stirling area.

The Observer’s Doune correspondent remarked that Monday, November 11, 1918, was a date that would ‘live in the life and memory of mankind for hundred of years to come’.

Although it was well known that peace negotiations had been underway for some time, villagers in Doune and Deanston were said to have been taken by surprise when news of the Armistice finally became known around midday on November 11.

On a day ‘uncommonly fine with pleasant and sustained sunshine,’ people shook hands with each other and every person with a flag displayed it at their home or business, while public buildings were decorated in the national colours.

The correspondent added: ‘Lines of bunting waved overhead while children conducted a merry procession to the accompaniment of rough and ready musical instruments and a medley of romping din.’

There was also rejoicing in Deanston where young people danced to the music of the bagpipes supplied by a Pipe Major Wright who happened to be home on leave from France.

News of peace led to a day’s holiday for workers at Deanston Mills. Schools and businesses also shut as victory was savoured.

‘Calm joy’ greeted word of the Armistice in Balfron with outward expressions of jubilation reserved to the schoolchildren who were awarded a half-holiday.

‘The adult part of the community, while calmly rejoicing that the last shot had been fired in the greatest and most cruel war in world history, felt an outburst of feeling was out of place,’ added the Observer. A united service of thanksgiving was held by churches of the village.

Word of the Armistice reached Aberfoyle at 11am on November 11. Children gave a rousing cheer for the King, Queen and armed forces personnel before being given the rest of the day off.

Next day, the village was bedecked with bunting and children carrying flags marched through the streets singing patriotic songs.

Church bells rang a ‘merry peal’ and there was a service of thanksgiving conducted by Rev William Moncrieff Taylor.

Church bells were also rung in Strathblane where a celebratory bonfire was lit at Blaerisk, while in Buchlyvie the school flag was displayed to the ‘accompaniment of lusty cheers’ from the scholars.

In Kippen, on the day after the Armistice was declared, the bells of both churches were rung in turn for five-minute periods.