The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Bruce · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Scotland

I have just had a query as to why 1914-1919 is shown on War Memorials in Scotland for the dates of the First World War. I have seen this many times and assumed it was because there were still deaths from injuries sustained during the war itself in to 1919, but the query is asking whether this is related to the sinking of HMS Iolaire on 1 January 1919 as it entered Stornoway Harbour from Kyle of Lochalsh with the loss of 205 lives, mainly troops returning home to Lewis from the war.

Obviously when I get a query like this I look to the experts... so if anyone here can give me an answer it would be much appreciated!
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Scotland from the Roadside... a journey round Scotland!

Adam Brown · Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:43 am Post subject:

Bruce

It is because the Treaty of Versailles was signed in June 1919 and that was the official end of the war. The Armistice of 1918 was only a cessation of hostilities.

There were deaths after 11.11.1918 in places like Iraq and North Russia but until the peace treaty was signed in June 1919 the war with Germany was not officially over.

Regards

Adam

Bruce · Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Scotland

Thanks Adam; maybe if I'd looked a bit harder I'd have worked that one out! Embarassed

No matter, I knew I'd get an answer here! Very Happy

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Scotland from the Roadside... a journey round Scotland!

adb41 · Joined: 03 Jan 2008 Posts: 178 Location: Stornoway

I fully endorse Adam's comments on the timelapse between the Armistice in November 1918 and the declaration of Peace in June 1919.

Your remarks regarding the sinking of the Iolaire are applicable in the Isle of Lewis, where most War Memorials quote 1919 as the last year of war because of that tragedy.