Mitch
Major General
- Joined
- May 1, 2010
- Messages
- 13,519
Guys...
Just watched today an excellent documentary Timewatch: the last days of WW1 on Yesterday narrated by Michael Palin about soldiers who died on the last day of the war November 11 1918. Was amazed at the number officially quoted 3,000 and, even after the declaration of armistice at 5am in the morning (though 11am we all know) that many troops were sent into pointless actions and paid with their lives. 863 British and commonwealth troops died on the last day of the war.
The last troops to die before the armistice at 11am were Private Price (commonwealth troops) at 10.58am and, private Gunther (Dough boy) at 10.59am.
What I found remarkable was General Wright US 89th Div ordered his troops to take a german held area Stenay because it had bathing facilities. 300 troops were killed or injured. Madness.
What I found even more remarkable was the absolute refusal of Marshall Foch to allow the german peace envoys request on the 8th Nov to end the hostilities whilst negotiations were active.
A worthwhile documentary to watch if you are able to see it
Mitch
Just watched today an excellent documentary Timewatch: the last days of WW1 on Yesterday narrated by Michael Palin about soldiers who died on the last day of the war November 11 1918. Was amazed at the number officially quoted 3,000 and, even after the declaration of armistice at 5am in the morning (though 11am we all know) that many troops were sent into pointless actions and paid with their lives. 863 British and commonwealth troops died on the last day of the war.
The last troops to die before the armistice at 11am were Private Price (commonwealth troops) at 10.58am and, private Gunther (Dough boy) at 10.59am.
What I found remarkable was General Wright US 89th Div ordered his troops to take a german held area Stenay because it had bathing facilities. 300 troops were killed or injured. Madness.
What I found even more remarkable was the absolute refusal of Marshall Foch to allow the german peace envoys request on the 8th Nov to end the hostilities whilst negotiations were active.
A worthwhile documentary to watch if you are able to see it
Mitch
Was aware of the 89th Div. foray for quite awhile and aways felt it was one of the stupider orders issued. They should have put Wright on a horse at the head of the attack.