140/G

A representative of the German High Command signed the unconditional surrender of all German land, sea and air forces in EUROPE to the Allied Expeditionary Force and simultaneously to the Soviet High Command at 0141 hrs Central European Time 7 May under which all forces will cease active operations at 0001 hrs 9 May.  Effective immediately all offensive operations by Allied Expeditionary Force will cease and troops will remain in present positions.  Moves involved in occupational duties will continue.  Due to difficulties of communication there may be some delay in similar orders reaching enemy troops so full defensive precautions will be taken.  No release will be made to the press nor to units under comd 1 Brit Corps until an official announcement has been made by the BBC.

N.N.W. Birch

Lt Col

for BGS,

1 Brit Corps

7 May 45.

DISTRIBUTION:

ADC                                                   DACG

MS                                                      ADAPS

G (Ops, Trg, Liaison)                      DDST

G (SD)                                                DDOS

G (Central)                                        DDME

G (Int)                                                 DD Lab

A                                                         DPM

Q (Maint)                                           JAG

Q (AE)                                                Pay

Q (Accn)                                            DADV & Rs

Q (Mov)                                              SO(Edn)

Mil Gov                                               DADAWS

CCRA                                                AD Lab

CE                                                      DADAFS

CSO                                                   Camp