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Mimeographed field order signed in facsimile by Major General R.F.K. Belchem, head of Field Marshall Montgomery's operations staff at Luneburg Heath, one page, 7.25 x 9.5, [May 4, 1945]. The announcement of the ceasefire in North Western Europe, issued in conjunction with Germany's surrender. In full: "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 for the moment excl of DUNKIRK . ack." In fine condition, with some small stains.
This field order was issued at a decisive moment in the final days of World War II in Europe, just hours after German forces in northwest Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands agreed to surrender to Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery at Lüneburg Heath on May 4, 1945. It reflects the immediate implementation of that localized capitulation, ordering a ceasefire for the British-led 21st Army Group even before Germany’s formal, unconditional surrender took effect across all fronts on May 8, 1945 (V-E Day).
