A SIGNED COPY OF POST-SURRENDER ORDERS SENT TO SHAEF MISSION IN BELGIUM
GEORGE ERSKINE GCB KBE DSO ...

A SIGNED COPY OF POST-SURRENDER ORDERS SENT TO SHAEF MISSION IN BELGIUM
GEORGE ERSKINE GCB KBE DSO (1899�1965) was a British major general who commanded the 7th Armoured Division in North Africa, Italy and Normandy. In 1944, he was appointed Head of the SHAEF Mission to Belgium. Offered here is Erskine's own typed and signed 8 x 10 inch copy of the text of SHAEF commander Dwight D. Eisenhower's May 7, 1945 signal to the SHAEF Mission (Belgium) relaying the news of Germany's surrender and orders to troops in the field. This document, signed by Erskine on May 9, 1945, is headed: "SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE MISSION (BELGIUM) THE SURRENDER OF THE GERMAN ARMED FORCES 9TH MAY, 1945" Erskine notes that he has prepared copies of the message for each member of his staff "as a souvenir of this memorable day". This copy was the one which Erskine kept for himself. The message advises that the surrender had been signed. It further instructs that "all offensive operations by Allied Expeditionary Force will cease and troops will remain in present positions�there may be some delay in similar orders reaching enemy troops so full defensive precautions will be taken�No repeat no release will be made to the press pending an announcement by the heads of the three governments�" Fine condition.