It was December 24th 1914 when something extraordinary happened. Earlier that day the British lost almost hundred men to German snipers all along the front. The Germans lost similar numbers.
But then strange lights appeared along the German trenches in Flanders. At first, British thought that Germans are getting ready for an attack, but then they've heard singing. Germans were singing a Christmas song "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night). The lights were mini Christmas trees they have had received from home. The Brits put their guns down and responded by singing Christmas carols.
 |
| Capt Stockwell (left) and Hauptmann Frhr von Sinner (right) |
People realized that no one will shoot and started popping their heads over the trenches which would, just hours ago, mean almost certain death. One of the first to take part was Captain Charles Stockwell who got out and met with German officer von Sinner to exchange holiday greetings to the delight and cheering from both sides. Others followed their example, exchanged greetings, food, beer...
It is said that there was even a football match between 'enemies' which Germans won 3:2...
But the following day, the bloodbath continued and lasted for another horrific four years.
The obvious question remains - why?
No comments:
Post a Comment