The 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles - ElectricCanadian.com

"CHAPTER IXARMISTICE TO DEMOBILIZATION^N the earlier days, when the armies were dead- NOV.1 Q 1 Slocked and no end was in sight, the men talkedof the day when all would be over; they discussed what their feelings might be, how theywould act, how they would celebrate. Andwhen it did come their reactions were disappointingeven to themselves. By a curious paradox, the greatcelebrations were at home, in the big cities, while themen at the front had little to say and the nearer theywere to the enemy the less demonstrative they were. Tothem it meant so much that nothing could express theirfeeling at the first announcement of the Armistice. Assoon as they came into contact with the civilians in thetowns, however, they gave vent to their emotions andjoined in the riotous celebrations of Peace.The Battalion marched into Mons on November 12thand was billeted in the town with Headquarters at No. 4Grande Place. Gaiety ruled the hour, gratitude was onthe lips of every inhabitant, proclamations were postedin complimentary recognition of the liberators of Mons.Speeches by aldermen and deputies were printed anddistributed pronouncing the indebtedness of Belgium.One discourse given by Monsieur Save on the day of thedeliverance of Mons was subsequently printed and postedand is given here in literal translation: We respectfully bow, with deep emotion, before the graves of yourcomrades. In this moment we engrave on our heartsthe remembrance of what they were and of what theyhave done for us, in order to hand down to our childrenand to the grandchildren of our children, the richestof heritages. In this hour, alas, over there beyond149Nov - 12