25/10/1918 As the Belgian King returns to Bruges, Allied commanders discuss armistice terms

On the Western Front the weather is worsening, making conditions tougher for the soldiers on both sides. Nevertheless Allied pressure on the Germans continues. With the support of their Allies, Belgian troops have now cleared the Germans from the country’s coast, recovering Zeebrugge and Bruges. Today the Belgian King and Queen pay their first visit to newly liberated Bruges, the centre of which at least appears to be relatively unscathed after four years of German occupation.

Despite Ludendorff‘s recent call for continued resistance, it seems likely that an armistice will soon be concluded with the Germans. Clemenceau has asked Foch for a report on the military terms that will be required, so now he meets with all the Western Front commanders for the first time since July. Despite the recent victories, Haig is relatively cautious, fearing that if too arduous terms are demanded of the Germans then they…