At 11:00am on Monday 11 November 1918, hostilities in Europe ceased after the Germans and Allies signed an armistice declaring Germany’s surrender. In Australia, the news was greeted by a spontaneous outburst of emotion, and across the land a collective cheer has been followed by a sigh of relief. The Great War is over. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in joyous celebration for the end of a war that has wreaked terrible tragedy on the people and the economy.

(Images are from the Townsville City Council libraries)