The historical document was issued at 8.50pm on May 4, 1945 by army supremo Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery.
This Cease Fire Order Was Sent To:
“FOR ACTION: FIRST CDN ARMY : SECOND BRIT ARMY : L Of C : GHQ AA TPS :
79 ARMD DIV : EXFOR REAR :
FOR INFM:
SECOND TAF : EXFOR TAC :
22 LIAISON HQ :”
This Cease Fire Order States The Following:
“GO 411A SECRET. all offensive ops will cease from receipt this signal. orders will be given to all tps to cease fire 0800 hrs tomorrow saturday 5 may. full terms of local german surrender arranged today for 21 ARMY GP front follow. emphasise these provisions apply solely to 21 ARMY GP front and are for the moment excl of DUNKIRK. ack”
It was drawn up two-and-a-half hours after the German high command signed the official surrender in front of Montgomery on Luneburg Heath in Germany.
He ordered his Chief of Operations, Major General David Belchem, to issue the cease fire order to all subordinate units.