The Frome Family History Group held its November meeting in the library to commemorate the armistice and to remember how the end of the war was celebrated in Frome and the rest of the country.
Christine Featherstone reports, “The evening began with a look at how the armistice was remembered on November 11th 100 years later with a look at local events. We then moved to 1918 and the celebrations that took place all over the country as the word spread that hostilities had ceased.
“The armistice was signed on 11.11.1918 at 5am. The Prime Minister, David Lloyd George announced that all hostilities would cease at 11am. In a speech in the House of Commons later that day he said “At eleven o’clock this morning came to an end the cruellest and most terrible war that has ever scourged mankind. I hope we may say that thus, this fateful morning, came to an end all wars.”
“The troops on the front line responded cautiously. They acknowledged the German troops as they came out from their trenches and bowed to them but they had little with which to celebrate and were too exhausted to be anything but quiet and sombre.
“On the streets of London there was much rejoicing; Mr Lloyd George said “you are entitled to rejoice. The people of this country and the people of the Dominions and our Allies have won such a victory for freedom as the world has never seen”. The moment the news of the signing of the armistice became known, bells pealed out in towns and villages throughout the land. Flags were hoisted and the day given over to unbounded jubilation.
“A day of celebration was arranged for the 19th July 1919. Unfortunately torrential rain spoiled some of the events that were due to take place. The local papers record that a procession took place, the chairman of the Urban Council, Mr TH Woodland read the King’s proclamation, the National Anthem was sung and the Union Jack hoisted, after which Miss Birtwistle sang Land of Hope and Glory. By this time the rain was coming down in torrents and the children were sent back to their schools where tea was served. The sports events were rescheduled for Thursday 24th July.
“Frome Family History Group is planning to publish a book early in 2019 to remember the lives of some of the men who returned to Frome and a selection of extracts from the book were read.
“Finally the audience were invited to show us items relating to the First World War that had come into their possession.
“The next meeting will be on Tuesday January 29th where our annual business meeting will be followed by Gerald Burdall talking about the loss of the Titanic. We continue to hold family history advice sessions on the first Saturday in the month from 9.30 to 11.30.”