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I can appreciate the practical considerations that require setting a precise time for an armistice to go into effect. However, looking at that first image in th

I can appreciate the practical considerations that require setting a precise time for an armistice to go into effect. However, looking at that first image in the article of the readout from sound ranging equipment just before and after the armistice, the thing that stands out to me is how pointless the last couple of artillery shells before a scheduled cease-fire seem. I suppose without the benefit of hindsight you could argue that one side or the other might have gained a slight advantage with those last shots if hostilities restarted. But knowing the outcome, it just feels really bizarre to think about those last moments.

JoeDaDude 5y ago
The end of World War I was somewhat chaotic [1] as General Pershing (US Commander) and other high ranking officers issued orders to cease hostilities on November 11th, but did not clearly state what to do in the interim. Lower level commanders either believed that territory held when the armistice went into effect would be kept, or sought to enhance their military careers by one final action, ordered offensives right up until the last minute. General Pershing would later have to testify before congress on why there were so many casualties on the last few days of the war, but no action was taken against him. [1] Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Hour: Armistice Day, 1918 World War I and Its Violent Climax Paperback – October 12, 2005 by Joseph E. Persic