What is the Glade of the Armistice?

Introduction The Glade of the Armistice (French: Clairière de l’Armistice) is a French national and war memorial in the Forest of Compiègne in Picardy, France, near the city of Compiègne and approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) north of Paris. It was built at the location where the Germans signed the Armistice of 11 November 1918… Read More

What was the Armistice of 22 June 1940?

Introduction The Armistice of 22 June 1940 was signed at 18:36 near Compiègne, France, by officials of Nazi Germany and the Third French Republic. It did not come into effect until after midnight on 25 June. Signatories for Germany included Wilhelm Keitel, a senior military officer, the commander-in-chief of the Wehrmacht (the German armed forces),… Read More

What was the Compiegne Wagon?

Introduction The Compiègne Wagon was the train carriage in which both the Armistice of 11 November 1918 and Armistice of 22 June 1940 were signed. Before the 1918 signing in the Forest of Compiègne, the wagon served as the personal carriage of Ferdinand Foch and was later displayed in French museums. However, after the successful… Read More