For tens of thousands of soldiers, the First World War didn't end on Armistice Day

The modern narrative of a neat and tidy end is a myth, says Jane Fae. When news reached commanders some decided not to risk lives for territory they could walk into tomorrow. Others carried on until the last second

An effigy of the ex-Kaiser Wilhelm is carried aloft as crowds in New York City celebrate the signing of the armistice (Getty)

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month 2018 we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the “end” of the First World War. Yet this is at best an approximation: at worst the deliberate obfuscation of an awful truth, which is that the war did not end all at once or even in that month. Rather, it sputtered on for months, and in some places years. Worse, even as an end was in sight, commanders continued to send thousands of young men to their deaths for motives quite disgraceful to modern sensibilities.To gain a few yards’ ground. To avenge a defeat. To secure a medal or a promotion. To win access to a hot bath…

The modern narrative of a neat and tidy end is myth, alongside the neat and tidy History 101 version of the First World War. Kicked off August 1914. Over by Christmas. Or not. Football in no-man’s land. Ill-fated Gallipoli campaign, 1915. Ill-fated Somme offensive, 1916. Asquith resigns. Russia crashes out, as the US joins in, 1917. Ludendorff Offensive, 1918. Germany exhausted. The end: November 1918.

Sorted. A little messiness around the edges can be shunted off to a solitary essay entitled “Lions led by donkeys: discuss”.