| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme, Amiens, Picquigny |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM09568 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Cork |
| Maker |
Unknown Unknown |
| Place made | France |
| Date made | pre 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Cork from a Moet & Chandon champagne bottle opened to celebrate the Armistice : 13 Battalion, AIF
Description
Cork from a champagne bottle. On the head is a metal disc with 'MOET & CHANDON" in raised lettering.
History / Summary
Cork from a bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne opened by members of 13th Battalion AIF upon hearing news of the Armistice on 11 November 1918. The battalion was behind the lines at Picquigny on 11 November and were to move to a forward area that day but this was postponed for 24 hours. 4th Brigade Headquarters verbally advised that the Armistice had been signed with Germany. The news spread quickly through the village with flags and bunting raised around the streets and houses. All battalion parades were suspended and the troops given a holiday. Bands played in the village square and bells rang out to celebrate the Armistice.