Surrender Gallery

The Last Stand of the Communards; Paris Commune, 1871

Illustration showing the last stand of the Paris Communards at their barricades, against the onslaught of the National Guard, Paris, 1871. At the end of the Franco-Prussian war, Parisian socialists set up the Commune and refused to surrender Paris to the rightwing French government. This led to bitter fighting on the streets of the city and large-scale executions of Communards

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

The Kaiser handing over his sword to Douglas Haig

"The Next Haig Convention" By the 23rd of October, Britain could almost taste victory and this picture by Arthur Ferrier, showing a cowed Kaiser handing over his sword to Douglas Haig, would be frighteningly accurate if it were not for the fact that the Allies demanded the Kaiser's abdication before they would discuss armistice terms. "Little Willie", the Kaier's eldest son, and the bulk of the Hindenburg complete a fairly dejected trio. Arthur Ferrier led a colourful life. Born in Scotland, he began his career as an analytical chemist, before becoming a cartoonist at the Daily Record in Glasgow. His move to London saw him contribute to Punch, London Opinion and tit-Bits as well as The Bystander and The Sketch in later years. He is best known for pioneering the glamorous cartoon strip girl, and illustrating 1940s and 50s theatreland. A great socialite and raconteur, his Times obituary referred to him as a "cartoonist, portrait painter, bon viveur and wit". Date: 1918

© Illustrated London News/Mary Evans

The Surrender Room, Hotel de Wereld, Wageningen

The old Hotel de Wereld was the scene of the German surrender to the Dutch. To the right of the entrance is a Commemorative Plaque recording that, In this building on 5 May 1945 Lieutenant-General Charles Foulkes, CB, CBE, DSO, the General Officer commanding the 1st Canadian Corps, accepted the unconditional surrender of the 25th German Army from Colonel General Johannes Blaskowitz.'. In fact the papers were handed over on the 5th but not signed until the 6th. The Terms of the Instrument of Surrender included clearing the canals of obstruction, mines etc and assistance in the arrangements for feeding the Dutch population. Date: 2001

© Holts Battlefield Collection / Mary Evans