Topic: GW - 11 Nov 1918
11 November 1918
Celebrations for the Armistice
Peace Declared in Sydney
Martin Place filled with a jubilant crowd - mostly comprised of women.
[From: Sydney Mail, 13 November 1918, p. 19.]
SYDNEY was thrown into a seething whirlpool of excitement on Friday by the announcement that Germany had agreed to the terms of the armistice offered by Marshal Foch and that hostilities had already ceased. It was early in the morning when the cablegram came through, and the news spread like wild-fire. The fact that it lacked official confirmation counted for little in the minds of people thoroughly convinced, that, even if the signatures of the parties had not yet been actually appended to the document, that act could not possibly be long delayed. The pent-up feelings of four weary years at last found vent; and the result was one of the most memorable days in the history of Sydney. The sirens of the harbour, in a weird medley such as has rarely been heard from the waters of Port Jackson, proclaimed that something of vast importance had occurred; and the shrieking of railway whistles, the clanging of tram bells, the hooting of motor-horns, the rattling of tins, and none: every conceivable kind combined to make a terrific din which everybody welcomed because it represented a paean of victory. A little later brass bands joined up, and there was vociferous cheering everywhere, while innumerable mechanical contrivances added still greater variety and volume to the sounds. The streets were speedily thronged as if by magic the city became enwrapped by gay bunting, and nearly everybody waved a flag. Work was out of the question. Factories, shops, and offices were practically deserted. Hatless girls, and men both old and young, poured out of their places of business and formed processions on foot through the streets, or, mounting lorries, drays, motor cars, and any and every sort of conveyance that happened along, moved slowly through the cheering crowds waving the banners and flags of the Allies and shouting patriotic songs. Early in the day the public-houses were dosed, and some of the large shops barricade heir windows, fearing that the pressure of the vast crowds might damage them. The newspaper offices towards mid-day posted bills announcing that the signing of the armistice had been officially denied. This temporarily damped the public ardour, but enthusiasm speedily again ran riot, and the posters were torn down. Official or not, what did it matter? Germany would be compelled to give in, and a day or two would make little difference. And, after all, was not the news from the front, news apart from the armistice, sufficiently stirring to justify public rejoicings? That was the general feeling and the celebration continued far into the night. Throughout it was marked only by the utmost goodwill.
A spontaneous street celebration.
[From: Sydney Mail, 13 November 1918, p. 19.]
Friday, 12 November 1918 was a day to remember for all Sydney citizens. It was the day to let loose all the emotions and grasp the joy of peace. This day was one of celebration. The next day was the sober reflection on where things would go. But that was tomorrow's worry. Today was sheer joy.
Further Reading:
11 November 1918, the Armistice
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: 11 November 1918, Celebrations for the Armistice, Peace Declared in Sydney
