An order was issued, November 9th, for front-line packs to be rolled; transportation was in sight. The inevitable delay resulted, however. All transportation facilities were busy hauling ammunition to the front where the Allies were giving the Germans the rain of fire that caused them to think seriously and quick about an armistice.
[Illustration: ENTRANCE TO CAMP LA COURTINE, FRANCE Road Leading from the Village Street to the Artillery Camp. The Scene of the Armistice Celebration.]
[Illustration: AMERICAN Y. M. C. A. AT CAMP LA COURTINE Officers' Mess Hall of French Camp Used as a Recreational Center by the American Army.]
November 11th, 1918, was a memorable day to the populace of La Courtine, France, as was the case in every hamlet, village, town or city in the world, when the news was flashed that Germany had accepted the terms of an Allied armistice and that fighting was to cease at 11 a. m. that day. The armistice that ended the World War was signed at 5 a. m., Paris time, and hostilities ceased six hours later, which was 6 o'clock Washington time.
The American troops encamped at La Courtine this eventful time received the tidings with great joy. The roads leading from the camp to the village were crowded with soldiers who paraded up and down in hysterical good humor. The crowds thronged into the village where the one main street was ablaze with celebration. The French populace were out to celebrate with the Americans. The cafes did a land office business. Wine flowed freely. The French kissed the Americans in some instances as the celebrators swayed through the street. The band was out. The crowds shouted, yelled, sang and cut-up all kinds of antics.
The scene, however, was similar to that enacted everywhere throughout the Allied world. The end of the fighting was officially announced and everybody was glad. The same hysterical good humor swayed the crowds at La Courtine that prompted like celebrations throughout the United States.
Great as was the enthusiasm and celebration of November 11th, the big gusto of celebration had been spent at La Courtine, as was the case everywhere else, on Thursday evening, November 7th, when a premature and unofficial announcement of the armistice was made.