DEAR SUN SPOTS: Did the Christmas Day truce during World War I in 1914 really happen? Was there actually a football game between the Brits and the Germans, or is it just a nice story?

— Roy, Durham

ANSWER: Over the decades there have been many stories about what happened at Christmastime that year on the frontlines. Historians have letters and other forms of firsthand accounts that enemies set down their weapons and walked across what was referred to as “No Man’s Land” to exchange friendly greetings and small gifts of cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, uniform buttons and provisions. In some sectors of the fighting, it was reported that the Germans began to sing a round of Christmas carols and the British joined in. There is even a report of a British soldier who was an amateur barber giving a German soldier a haircut.

Various letters state that there was weapons fire throughout Christmas Eve night and into the next morning. This wasn’t a complete truce, however, as some soldiers wrote to their loved ones saying although they were involved in a cease-fire, they could still hear guns in the distance.

As far as football games go, some historians aren’t satisfied with the number of accounts from both sides about what really happened. They also question if a game could have been played because of the condition of the ground or even if a real football was used. Some say soldiers on both sides did indeed play football with everything from a soccer ball to an old tin container wrapped in rags.

As an aside, did you know that the song “Snoopy’s Christmas” by the Royal Guardsmen was based on this Christmas truce? The Red Baron initiates the truce with the fictitious Snoopy. Also, in the film “Oh, What a Lovely War” there’s a scene of a Christmas truce with British and German soldiers sharing stories, drinks and songs. The story of this truce and the spirit of peace have been depicted in many films, songs and poems.

I recommend you read The Christmas Truce: Myth, Memory, and the First World War by Terri Blom Crocker, published by University Press of Kentucky. A good source on-line is https://simonjoneshistorian.com/2015/01/06/understanding-the-1914-christmas-truce/. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Back in the fall, I had a letter published in this column about the state report I’m doing on Maine. I asked people to send me some information and the response has been overwhelming!

I have tried my best to send a personal thank you to everyone, but if someone sent something and that person has not received a personal letter, please know how much I appreciate the time, thought, effort and money to help me with my project. I learned so much and I will never forget this experience.

On May 18, our class is going to have a big “State Fair” where we will display all the information and items we received. The people of the great state of Maine will be well represented! Thank you so much.

— David, Charlotte, North Carolina

ANSWER: Readers, I thank you for enriching this young student’s life with your thoughtfulness. You’re the best.

May you all have a joyful holiday season!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

                                                               

(WWI-Battlefields and Beyond photo)

Copy the Story Link