Peace At Last

The end of the First World War signalled the beginning of a new series of challenges. But first, there was celebration.

At 11 am (European time) on 11 November 1918, the Armistice with Germany formally came into effect. After more than four years of fighting, it signalled the end of a war that many had thought would be over in a matter of months. People had begun to gather from 8 November at meeting places in towns and cities across Australia in anticipation that peace would soon be declared. Once the news was official, crowds took to the streets and church bells rang out. Wednesday, 13 November was declared a public holiday.

At 7.30 pm, Albury’s Alderman H.G. Davies spoke from the balcony of the Town Hall, declaring to the townspeople who had gathered on Dean Street that the war was officially over. The raucous celebrations lasted until midnight, complete with tolling bells and music from the Albury Town Band. A procession of around 5,000 returned soldiers, Australian Red Cross ladies, local military forces, scouts, cadets, school children and members of the public made their way to the showground, where they enjoyed a program of musical favourites.

However, the end of the fighting didn’t mean an automatic return to normal life. As the days and weeks progressed, the war continued to be forefront in people’s minds. Many sick and injured local soldiers were still abroad, and would not return home for many months. Some would never return. The ladies of the Australian Red Cross, who had raised funds to support the war effort, were urged to continue their work to support those service people who were still overseas.

For many local people who had lost a relative during the war or whose family member had been repatriated with a life-changing injury, their suffering would continue. Some of the returnees tried to forget what they had seen and experienced, while others were active in their remembrance of the war. But regardless, most people who were directly impacted by the First World War would never be the same again.