Over the last week or so I’ve posted a series of #OTD posts on X and Instagram. In 1919, this was a big week for the world, and for the characters  in The Paris Peacemakers. Here’s a wee summary:

21 June 1919: In Scapa Flow the German navy sink their own ships rather than hand them over as part of the treaty being finalised in Paris. In Orkney to see if they can salvage their relationship, Rob and Corran watch the astonishing sight.

22 June 1919: Will the Germans sign the treaty? The city of Paris, not content with negotiating world peace, is concurrently hosting the Interallied Games. It’s a sporting celebration of peace and friendship although some events, like hand grenade throwing, are unexpected. Meanwhile Clemenceau and Woodrow Wilson miss the opening ceremony to plan their invasion of Germany, should the Germans refuse to sign.

28 June 1919: The Treaty of Versailles is finally signed, casting its long shadow over twentieth century history. Stella & the other typists travel out to the Palace in charabancs, wondering if the rumours that Germans will shoot themselves rather than sign are true. Can this treaty reallly bring lasting peace?

29 June 1919: The rugby tournament at the Interallied Games reaches its conclusion and Rob and Gus go along to the final. It’s the first match Rob has watched since the guns fell silent. He can barely comprehend that so many of his teammates are now dead. Will he ever be able to pull on the thistle again?

The Paris Peacemakers is available now in hardback and kindle from all good bookshops!