Cited in Practical Christianity Nov-Dec 1957, p11, published by the Armed Forces’ Christian Union.
The study of events immediately before and after the Days of Prayer, which were called in the wars by the Sovereign through the Ministers of the Crown and the Houses of Parliament, is intensely interesting.
Many probably know that in the diaries of Ludenhorf, Chief of the Imperial German Staff in 1918, and of the German Chancellor also, were entries on 17th July 1918, that they would have victory within a month.
I think it was 14th July (as Bonar Law later stated), that our Cabinet met, facing possible defeat and Lloyd George went to the King and asked for a day of prayer. This was announced in the Houses of Parliament for 4th August.
From the day of its announcement the tide turned for Marshal Foch. On 8th August began what was known as the 100 Days Victory in which for the first time our British attacks were covered by early mist and suitable weather.
The Canadians were due to advance a quarter of a mile but went eleven miles that day. The Times describes the whole advance as one of the most gratifying surprises of the war; the Armistice was signed at 11am on the 11th November, 1918.
*Photo credit: Image: IWM (Q 9273) – Catalogue Number: Q 9273 – MINISTRY OF INFORMATION FIRST WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION