Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Christmas on no-man's land- 1915

This video by Celtic Thunder (2014) was doing the Whatsapp rounds recently. It commemorates the famous event in World War I, when German troops and Allies on the western front took a pause, a brief cease-fire if you will, to celebrate Christmas, during peak hostilities in 1914, 


For a tragically short time, as this article explains, the Spirit of the Prince of Peace drowned out the murderous demands of the State. 

"As December waxed, the combat ardor of the frontline troops waned. With Christmas approaching, the scattered and infrequent gestures of goodwill across enemy lines increased. About a week before Christmas, German troops near Armentieres slipped a "splendid" chocolate cake across the lines to their British counterparts. Attached to that delectable peace offering was a remarkable invitation:


We propose having a concert tonight as it is our Captain's birthday, and we cordially invite you to attend – provided you will give us your word of honor as guests that you agree to cease hostilities between 7:30 and 8:30.... When you see us light the candles and footlights at the edge of our trench at 7:30 sharp you can safely put your heads above your trenches, and we shall do the same, and begin the concert.
 
The concert proceeded on time, with the bewhiskered German troops singing "like Christy Minstrels," according to one eyewitness account. Each song earned enthusiastic applause from the British troops, prompting a German to invite the Tommies to "come mit us into the chorus." One British soldier boldly shouted, "We'd rather die than sing German." This jibe was parried instantly with a good-natured reply from the German ranks: "It would kill us if you did." The concert ended with an earnest rendition of "Die Wacht am Rhein," and was closed with a few shots deliberately aimed at the darkening skies – a signal that the brief pre-Christmas respite was ended."



13 comments:

Unknown said...

Disposal of electronic waste in hyderabad, India
Electronic waste disposal hyderabad, India

Unknown said...

My name is Dr. Ashutosh Chauhan A Phrenologist in Kokilaben Hospital,We are urgently in need of kidney donors in Kokilaben Hospital India for the sum of $450,000,00,All donors are to reply via Email only: hospitalcarecenter@gmail.com or Email: kokilabendhirubhaihospital@gmail.com
WhatsApp +91 7795833215

William Brown said...

Amazing blog...
Book online bus ticket from Redbus

Entertaining Game Channel said...

This is Very very nice article. Everyone should read. Thanks for sharing. Don't miss WORLD'S BEST
CarRacingGames

BikeRacingGames

TrainRacingGames

BusDrivingSimulatorGame

4x4OffroadJeepCarRacingChampionsGame

TaxiSimulatorGames

Surbhi Singh said...

The information is extremely good and very helpful for me and keep sharing your blogs
Tuition Service Lucknow | Home Tuition Services

Europa said...

Europa Educational Solutions will providing educational services in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi. Visit our website for home tutoring services and the details ofit. home tutoring services

Vignesh said...


I would highly appreciate if you could guide me through this. Thanks for the article…
Tamil News | Tamil Newspaper | Latest Tamil News | Kollywood News

Naveen said...

Thanks For Sharing This Information. Here I would Like To share our services. If you are looking for best colleges in Bangalore, The below link are helping you.
bsc perfusion technology colleges in Bangalore.
bsc cardiac care technology colleges in Bangalore
bba aviation colleges in bangalore
physiotherapy colleges in bangalore
bsc optometry colleges in Bangalore

James said...

Courses that are found in the market will not focus on making a young one professional. cursos de ti

ashok said...

Good to visit your blog after many years...lot of catching up to do

Hot said...

Best Escort Girls

vbspu bsc 3rd year result said...

This site helps to clear your all query.
dbrau ba 3rd year result
rdvv ba 3rd year result

BSC Result 2022 - B.SC 1st 2nd 3rd Year Exam Result said...

What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads.

B.SC 1st Year Result 2022 | B.SC 2nd Year Result 2022 | B.SC 3rd Year Result 2022.