Peace

The war ended on 11 November 1918 and with that, everyone in Britain faced a return to life under normal, peaceful conditions. It was impossible to turn the clock back and ignore the many changes that had taken place. It was going to take time and effort to restore the country's morale and sense of wellbeing as well as the social, political and economic equilibrium.

Background to the Impact on the Great War on Scotland

Christmas card, 1918
Disbanding of National Emergency Committees, 1918

Christmas card, 1918

This Christmas card commemorates the Cameron Highlanders at the end of the war.

(National Records of Scotland reference: GD1/615/3)

Disbanding of National Emergency Committees, 1918

On 20 December 1918, Sir James Dodds, Under Secretary for Scotland based at Whitehall in London, issued letters of thanks on behalf of Robert Munro, the Secretary for Scotland to the Lords Lieutenant of Scotland and the Lord Provosts of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee to thank them for their efforts in setting up Emergency Schemes round the country in case of enemy invasion. Now that the war was over, the Head of Command in the military advised the government that there was no longer any need for local Emergency Committees to continue so they were disbanded.

This particular letter was sent to Sir William Robertson, Lieutenant for the County of Fife.

Print a copy of the image and transcript of the letter to Sir William Robertson, Rich Text Format, 1.7MB, new window

(National Records of Scotland reference: HH31/20/5)

Transcript

20 December 1918

Sir
I am directed by the Secretary for Scotland to say he is informed by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Great Britain, that the need for Emergency Schemes is now at an end.

Though happily there has been no occasion for putting these Schemes into operation, the work of organizing the civilian measures to be taken in the event of an attempt to land by the enemy was an essential part of the arrangements for Home Defence, and it has been a point of importance to the Military Authorities that they were able to rely upon the co-operation of the Emergency Committees if such an attempt had been made. Mr Munro desires me to convey to you his thanks and the thanks of the Government for the public-spirited services rendered by yourself, by the Central Organizing Committee for your County, the Local Emergency Committees and the Police and Special Constables, in the organization of the Scheme and the working out of the details, and he will be glad if you will communicate this expression of thanks to all concerned.

I am, Sir
Your obedient Servant,
JAMES M DODDS

(National Records of Scotland reference: HH31/20/5)