The 9th was a beautiful sunny day. There was little resistance to our advance, and the Guards entered Maubeuge, while our infantry took possession of the large suburb of Sous le Bois, and pushed through and beyond it. Divisional Headquarters moved to Neuf Mesnil.
On the 10th we remained where we were. The enemy had retired about six miles east of Maubeuge, and a short delay was necessary to get up ammunition and supplies for a further forward movement. News came that the Kaiser had abdicated, and that his ignoble son had renounced his claim to the succession. A revolution in Berlin was also reported, and the end seemed so close in sight that it was scarcely a surprise when, at 9 a.m. on the 11th November, I received the wire, "Hostilities cease at 11 a.m. to-day."
So ended the Battle of Maubeuge, which, lasting from the 1st to the 11th November, struck at and broke the enemy's last important lateral communications, turned his position on the Scheldt, and forced him to retreat rapidly from Courtrai. This victory completed the great strategical aim of the whole series of battles by dividing the enemy's forces into two parts, one on each side of the great natural barrier of the Ardennes. The pursuit of the beaten enemy all along the Allied line was only stopped by the Armistice. Twenty-six Divisions defeated 32 German Divisions, taking 19,000 prisoners and 450 guns.
The total casualties in the 62nd Divisional Artillery since landing in France had been
10 officers and 160 other ranks killed.
71 officers and 714 other ranks wounded.
The following special order of the day was issued on the 11th:
TO ALL RANKS OF THE THIRD ARMY.
The operations of the last three months have forced the enemy to sue for an armistice as a prelude to peace.
Your share in the consummation of this achievement is one that fills me with pride and admiration.
Since August 21st you have won eighteen decisive battles, you have driven the enemy back over sixty miles of country and you have captured 67,000 prisoners and 800 guns.
That is your record, gained by your ceaseless enterprise, your indomitable courage and your loyal support to your leaders.
Eleven Divisions in the four Corps (Guards 2nd 3rd and 62nd, 5th 37th 42nd and New Zealand, 17th 21st and 38th), have been continuously in action since the beginning of the advance and have borne the brunt of the operations. Other Divisions have joined and left, each one adding fresh lustre to its history.
To all ranks, to all Corps and formations, to all administrative and transport units, I tender my thanks. May your pride in your achievements be as great as mine is in the recollection of having commanded the Army in which you served.
J. BYNG, General,
Commanding Third Army.