The End of the War – Ely Standard 15th November 1918
CLOSE OF THE WAR
“Scenes of remarkable enthusiasm and rejoicing throughout the district marked the memorable day on which the great war ended in the admission of defeat by Germany and her surrender to the Allies. Never has there been such an occasion for gladness and never was gladness so pronounced or thankfulness so devout. The final triumph of Right over Might filled all hearts to overflowing, and the joy was all the deeper for the trial through which we had gone.
“ The simple message which on Monday morning announced the close of the most terrible war in history wrought a wonderful transformation both so great and momentous was the news that the imagination failed at first to grasp its import. The strain and anxiety of over four years of war, with the sacrifices, sorrow and sadness it involved had produced a serious frame of mind that was not readily transformed, and although the signing of the armistice was expected, most people were not prepared for the reception of the news in such a way as to realise its full meaning. It was not long, however, before the realisation came and gladness grew to exultation, which was maintained in every conceivable way. The streets of towns and villages became more and more thronged with happy people, bells were rung, and flags appeared from windows as if by magic until the streets were gay and festive with the display. By common consent the afternoon and evening became a general holiday and people gave themselves up to demonstrations of joy which made the day one that will long be remembered.
REJOICING IN ELY
“The news of the signing of the armistice was awaited with feverish interest by the residents of Ely. Between ten and eleven o’clock on Monday morning it was known that the war was over, a message having been flashed across the wires that the hostilities were to cease at 11 a.m. People, however, preferred to wait for official confirmation of the intelligence but it was not until the dinner hour that notices announcing the result were displayed in the Post Office in Market St. then the residents lost no time in giving ocular demonstration of their joy, and roads and streets were soon a blaze of colour, hundreds of flags being hung out. The work of adorning premises went on during the greater part of the afternoon, and the city soon wore a gay and festive appearance. People congregated in the streets discussing the cessation of hostilities, everywhere the feeling of thankfulness was clearly manifested. The rising generation of the city took no small part in the rejoicings. Tradesmen who were fortunate in having stocks of flags by them did a good trade. Boys and girls clamoured for the Union Jacks, and as the afternoon came to a close the chief thoroughfares presented an animated appearance.
“A merry peal of bells was rung from the belfry of St Mary’s Church.
“The celebrations at night included a torchlight procession which left Lynn Road shortly before 7 o’clock and proceeded along High Street. It was not a spectacular affair but the impulse to go out into the open air and make a joyful noise could not resisted by the participants. Not for over four years had so much light illuminated the streets. Although the processionalists were practically without ant musical accompaniment they succeeded in making plenty of noise, verses of patriotic songs being interrupted with cheers.
“Little attention was paid to the lighting restrictions, the illuminating rays which proceeded from certain shops being welcome by pedestrians.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
“During the afternoon the town crier went round to inform the inhabitants that a short preliminary service of thanksgiving would be held at the Cathedral at 7 o’clock, and some time before that hour people were seen making their way to the historic building. All the seats in the octagon and transepts were soon occupied, and those which had been placed a short distance down the nave also quickly filled. It was in every respect a memorable gathering, and the singing was hearty in the extreme.
“The clergy present were the Bishop of Ely (the Right Rev. F.H. Chase), the Dean of Ely (the Very Rev. A. E. Kirkpatrick), the Ven. Archdeacon G. Hodges (canon in residence), the Rev. Canon B.W. Randolph, the Rev. J.H. Crosby, the Rev. H.R. Campion, the Rev. D. Addleshaw (vicar of Ely St Mary’s), the Rev. A. Campbell Hair (vicar of Holy Trinity) and the Rev. T.J. Kirkland (headmaster of King’s School). After the clergy and choir had processed to their seats in front of the choir gates, the hymn “All people that on earth do dwell” was heartily rendered. This was followed by the Lord’s Prayer and the psalm “God is our help and strength”. The lesson taken from the 26th chapter of Isaiah was read by the Dean, and the hymn “Praise my soul” was afterwards sung. Then, from the lectern, the Dean, in a voice which all could plainly hear, offered prayers for the King, our Rulers and those of our Allies, invoking a right judgement in the critical work yet to be done, our soldiers, sailors, the sick, wounded and suffering, and for the fruitful issue of the war. After thanks had been given to God for answered prayers, the Dean offered prayer for those who had given themselves to the service of their country and had fallen, and concluded with prayers of thanksgiving for the victories of our armies and those of our allies, for the signing of the armistice and for the cessation of hostilities. Then, as a solemn act of thanksgiving and praise to God, the congregation sang the Te Deum, and after the blessing had been given by the Bishop the short service concluded with the National Anthem, sung with much fervour.
KAISER’S EFFIGY BURNT
“The celebrations were continued on Tuesday, and at night great excitement prevailed. The open space in front of the Lamb Hotel was packed with people just before 8 p.m. awaiting the torchlight procession, much advertised by the Town Crier in the earlier part of the day. Punctually at the advertised hour a party, with flaming torches, left the premises of the Walbro Cycle Co in Lynn Rd, amidst great cheering and shouting which was increased to the highest pitch when the excited onlookers caught sight of the effigy of the Kaiser, borne above the sea of faces. Evidently great pains had been taken in the manufacture of the dummy. The effigy was decked with an imitation German helmet, and carried a white flag. In the rear of the procession there was another dummy figure, which was understood to be a representation of the Crown Prince, though few apparently recognised the likeness in the semi-darkness. A large number of young people joined in with tins, cans, hooters and mouth organs, and the procession, being duly formed, passed up St Mary’s Street, “the band” playing all kinds of music. Silver Street, Back Hill, Broad Street, and Fore Hill were traversed, a halt being made on the Market Square, where the ceremony of burning the Kaiser’s effigy was performed in the presence of a dense crowd. After a space had been cleared by the torch bearers, the fallen Emperor was brought forward amidst great excitement. Rockets were discharged, and as soon as the dummy, which was evidently well stuffed with inflammable materials, burst into flame, shouts rent the air. What happened to the Crown Prince was not plain to all the onlookers, but he was probably tucked away somewhere under his pater, at any rate, he shared the same fate as his exiled father. When the dummies had been more than half consumed by the flames, another torchlight procession, organised by soldiers, reached the square and joined in the fun. Two of the soldiers, attired as women, amused all with their antics, and cheers were frequently given for Mr. Lloyd George and many others. Towards the close of the proceedings, Mr H.T. Wallis, the organiser of the carnival, and his band of co-workers joined hands and danced around the remnants of the effigy, while other dancing rings were formed on the square by soldiers and young ladies. The National Anthem terminated the festivities.”
There were two other important celebrations / commemorations to follow - see the links below:
Peace Day Celebrations 19th July 1919
The First Armistice Day Commemoration 11th November 1919
“Scenes of remarkable enthusiasm and rejoicing throughout the district marked the memorable day on which the great war ended in the admission of defeat by Germany and her surrender to the Allies. Never has there been such an occasion for gladness and never was gladness so pronounced or thankfulness so devout. The final triumph of Right over Might filled all hearts to overflowing, and the joy was all the deeper for the trial through which we had gone.
“ The simple message which on Monday morning announced the close of the most terrible war in history wrought a wonderful transformation both so great and momentous was the news that the imagination failed at first to grasp its import. The strain and anxiety of over four years of war, with the sacrifices, sorrow and sadness it involved had produced a serious frame of mind that was not readily transformed, and although the signing of the armistice was expected, most people were not prepared for the reception of the news in such a way as to realise its full meaning. It was not long, however, before the realisation came and gladness grew to exultation, which was maintained in every conceivable way. The streets of towns and villages became more and more thronged with happy people, bells were rung, and flags appeared from windows as if by magic until the streets were gay and festive with the display. By common consent the afternoon and evening became a general holiday and people gave themselves up to demonstrations of joy which made the day one that will long be remembered.
REJOICING IN ELY
“The news of the signing of the armistice was awaited with feverish interest by the residents of Ely. Between ten and eleven o’clock on Monday morning it was known that the war was over, a message having been flashed across the wires that the hostilities were to cease at 11 a.m. People, however, preferred to wait for official confirmation of the intelligence but it was not until the dinner hour that notices announcing the result were displayed in the Post Office in Market St. then the residents lost no time in giving ocular demonstration of their joy, and roads and streets were soon a blaze of colour, hundreds of flags being hung out. The work of adorning premises went on during the greater part of the afternoon, and the city soon wore a gay and festive appearance. People congregated in the streets discussing the cessation of hostilities, everywhere the feeling of thankfulness was clearly manifested. The rising generation of the city took no small part in the rejoicings. Tradesmen who were fortunate in having stocks of flags by them did a good trade. Boys and girls clamoured for the Union Jacks, and as the afternoon came to a close the chief thoroughfares presented an animated appearance.
“A merry peal of bells was rung from the belfry of St Mary’s Church.
“The celebrations at night included a torchlight procession which left Lynn Road shortly before 7 o’clock and proceeded along High Street. It was not a spectacular affair but the impulse to go out into the open air and make a joyful noise could not resisted by the participants. Not for over four years had so much light illuminated the streets. Although the processionalists were practically without ant musical accompaniment they succeeded in making plenty of noise, verses of patriotic songs being interrupted with cheers.
“Little attention was paid to the lighting restrictions, the illuminating rays which proceeded from certain shops being welcome by pedestrians.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
“During the afternoon the town crier went round to inform the inhabitants that a short preliminary service of thanksgiving would be held at the Cathedral at 7 o’clock, and some time before that hour people were seen making their way to the historic building. All the seats in the octagon and transepts were soon occupied, and those which had been placed a short distance down the nave also quickly filled. It was in every respect a memorable gathering, and the singing was hearty in the extreme.
“The clergy present were the Bishop of Ely (the Right Rev. F.H. Chase), the Dean of Ely (the Very Rev. A. E. Kirkpatrick), the Ven. Archdeacon G. Hodges (canon in residence), the Rev. Canon B.W. Randolph, the Rev. J.H. Crosby, the Rev. H.R. Campion, the Rev. D. Addleshaw (vicar of Ely St Mary’s), the Rev. A. Campbell Hair (vicar of Holy Trinity) and the Rev. T.J. Kirkland (headmaster of King’s School). After the clergy and choir had processed to their seats in front of the choir gates, the hymn “All people that on earth do dwell” was heartily rendered. This was followed by the Lord’s Prayer and the psalm “God is our help and strength”. The lesson taken from the 26th chapter of Isaiah was read by the Dean, and the hymn “Praise my soul” was afterwards sung. Then, from the lectern, the Dean, in a voice which all could plainly hear, offered prayers for the King, our Rulers and those of our Allies, invoking a right judgement in the critical work yet to be done, our soldiers, sailors, the sick, wounded and suffering, and for the fruitful issue of the war. After thanks had been given to God for answered prayers, the Dean offered prayer for those who had given themselves to the service of their country and had fallen, and concluded with prayers of thanksgiving for the victories of our armies and those of our allies, for the signing of the armistice and for the cessation of hostilities. Then, as a solemn act of thanksgiving and praise to God, the congregation sang the Te Deum, and after the blessing had been given by the Bishop the short service concluded with the National Anthem, sung with much fervour.
KAISER’S EFFIGY BURNT
“The celebrations were continued on Tuesday, and at night great excitement prevailed. The open space in front of the Lamb Hotel was packed with people just before 8 p.m. awaiting the torchlight procession, much advertised by the Town Crier in the earlier part of the day. Punctually at the advertised hour a party, with flaming torches, left the premises of the Walbro Cycle Co in Lynn Rd, amidst great cheering and shouting which was increased to the highest pitch when the excited onlookers caught sight of the effigy of the Kaiser, borne above the sea of faces. Evidently great pains had been taken in the manufacture of the dummy. The effigy was decked with an imitation German helmet, and carried a white flag. In the rear of the procession there was another dummy figure, which was understood to be a representation of the Crown Prince, though few apparently recognised the likeness in the semi-darkness. A large number of young people joined in with tins, cans, hooters and mouth organs, and the procession, being duly formed, passed up St Mary’s Street, “the band” playing all kinds of music. Silver Street, Back Hill, Broad Street, and Fore Hill were traversed, a halt being made on the Market Square, where the ceremony of burning the Kaiser’s effigy was performed in the presence of a dense crowd. After a space had been cleared by the torch bearers, the fallen Emperor was brought forward amidst great excitement. Rockets were discharged, and as soon as the dummy, which was evidently well stuffed with inflammable materials, burst into flame, shouts rent the air. What happened to the Crown Prince was not plain to all the onlookers, but he was probably tucked away somewhere under his pater, at any rate, he shared the same fate as his exiled father. When the dummies had been more than half consumed by the flames, another torchlight procession, organised by soldiers, reached the square and joined in the fun. Two of the soldiers, attired as women, amused all with their antics, and cheers were frequently given for Mr. Lloyd George and many others. Towards the close of the proceedings, Mr H.T. Wallis, the organiser of the carnival, and his band of co-workers joined hands and danced around the remnants of the effigy, while other dancing rings were formed on the square by soldiers and young ladies. The National Anthem terminated the festivities.”
There were two other important celebrations / commemorations to follow - see the links below:
Peace Day Celebrations 19th July 1919
The First Armistice Day Commemoration 11th November 1919
