- CA ON00156 TF/File 216
- Item
- 11 Nov 1918
Part of Terry Forin collection
Poster from the town of Mons, Belgium, declaring the end of the First World War.
Translation:
TO THE POPULATION OF MONS
After 51 months of suffering caused by the iniquitous, pitiless and insolent occupation of the German army, the City of Mons is finally liberated by the heroism of the British army, which, at the time of the armistice, ends the series of its victories in the very places where on August 24, 1914, it came into contact with the enemy.
The 3rd Canadian Division, at the cost of heavy sacrifices, entered the city at 3 o'clock in the morning, thus avenging, with a resounding success, the retreat of 1914. GLORY AND GRATITUDE TO IT!
The armistice is signed. The German army has capitulated; brutal force is annihilated; justice and law triumph. Belgium emerges from the terrible ordeal it has been through, strengthened and enhanced.
The population has borne the suffering of the occupation with confidence and courage. We are convinced that in the joy of triumph, it will observe the dignity and moderation that it has always preserved.
We count on the goodwill of all so that order is observed. We also invite the population to return to work as soon as possible. The ruin inflicted by the war is great, and the cooperation, goodwill and energy of all is necessary to quickly heal the wounds it has caused.
In this solemn hour, our infinite gratitude goes to the Allied Armies and, among them, from the bottom of our hearts, to our valiant Belgian Army and to the King, its heroic leader. !
Long live the King! Long live the Belgian Fatherland!
The Municipal Secretary.
Gaston TALAUPE
Mons, November 11, 1918
The Mayor and Aldermen
Jean LESGARTS
Fulgence MASSON
Léon SAVE
Victor MAISTRIAU
Henri ROLLAND
Mons. — Printing Arthur PRINCELLE rue de Houdain, 28
