Imagine you are standing up to your knees in the slime of a waterlogged trench. It is the evening of 24 December 1914.
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On the night 24th. December there was a hard frost which made trench conditions more bearable. In the late afternoon and early evening, British troops were astonished by the appearance of Christmas trees with candles and paper lanterns, on enemy parapets. Much singing of carols, hymns and popular songs began which was followed by a gradual exchange of communication and even meetings in some sectors. Many of these meetings started with negotiations to permit collection of bodies. In other places, however, hostilities continued. At Battalion HQ level officers were uncertain how to react; in general they maintained precautions.
Read detailed accounts on: Hellfire Corner, and The Christmas Truce by Henry Williamson (a veteran) as well as firstworldwar.com
Very Merry Chrismas to all our readers.
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