The Ghost of Christmas Past, The Christmas Truce of 1914

Urban Legends Reference Pages ^ | 24 December 2003 | Barbara and David Mikkleson

[Colt .45]

During World War I, in the winter of 1914, on the battlefields of Flanders, one of the most unusual events in all of human history took place. The Germans had been in a fierce battle with the British and French. Both sides were dug in, safe in muddy, man-made trenches six to eight feet deep that seemed to stretch forever.

[Colt .45]

I thought that in the spirit of Christmas with our country at war, it would be nice to remember another time in the distant past when warriors chose to stop fighting for one day and to find a common humanity in the midst of the fight. I believe that the soldiers then and now can appreciate this more than any who've never served.

It brings me to this small excerpt of a WW1 poem by Lt. Alan Seeger -

"For that high fellowship was ours then
With those who, championing another's good,
More than dull Peace or its poor votaries could,
Taught us the dignity of being men." - The Aisne

Merry Christmas to all fellow Freepers

[RAY]

Peace is harder to make than war

Agreed, however, sometimes disputes are settled only by war - or at the least, an opposition resulting in the need to fight!

[drt1]

Think this is on the History Channel right now.

[Colt .45]

Undertood, however this was done as showing how men, in the midst of killing each other can find common humanity in the strangest of places. No Man's Land among the dead is where this meeting took place. And on this one blessed day of the year, we should put Christ first and killing last.

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT

[SamAdams76]

So the "Snoopy's Christmas" song by the Royal Guardsman is rooted in truth!

[JennysCool]

Not just "rooted," FRiend. That one is unassailable historic fact.

[Defiant]

Back when Europeans were Christian. They're so over that, now.

[RAY]

Understood, however this was done as showing how men, in the midst of killing each other can find common humanity in the strangest of places. No Man's Land among the dead is where this meeting took place. And on this one blessed day of the year, we should put Christ first and killing last.

Thanks, but, the point was not missed.

However, the fact is, most don't want to fight (it hurts to have your nose blooded - regardless of the high some feel) but sometime, we must fight. Those 1914 troops would have all rather been with their families celebrating Christmas.

It is however, a tribute, that across no man's land they could extend the hand and enjoy a day in the name of Christ.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Too bad that the Muslims will only see Christmas as a good day to murder their way into heaven.

[R. Scott]

The History Channel presentation was truly awesome and inspiring.
I imagine this type of unofficial truce has happened in every war throughout history – but seldom on this scale. I believe I read of a similar incident during the War Between the States. I had the experience of setting with a friend in a small bar in Viet Nam – and drinking and talking with several VC who were on R&R at their nearby rest center.

[R. Scott]

It is however, a tribute, that across no man's land they could extend the hand and enjoy a day in the name of Christ.

And that no political animal of a staff officer fired on them as traitors for fraternizing with the enemy.

[RAY]

Right, we may have to kill them and their supporters until they decide fighting us is not a good thing.

[drt1]

Yes and given the total mismanagement of WW1 and the complete disregard for human life on the part of officers it's not a surprise they moved rapidly to quash the "Truce". IMO That War was a Euro mess for sure!

[RAY]

It seems they almost had to be forced to rejoin the fight.

Our present fight is not with those of our similar faith. No truce with these Islamic devils can be taken in good faith.

[Colt .45]

Okay, point taken. But can we get back to the miracle that occured? Imagine how wonderful it was to those demoralized troops to find that one day of peaceful quiet out of the who stinking mess. Yes the war was mis-managed, the general staff of both sides saw to that, Haig, Falkenhayn, Ludendorff, Foch were all butchers - NO DOUBT! But think of it as if you were living like one of those foot soldiers. Think of how great it must've felt to feel like a human being again! Yes they would've much rather been home, but this in effect wa the next best thing. Although some of their officers tried to keep the war going, and in some places the killing went on, these men who met in the center of that killing field managed to re-kindle that dim spark of humanity among races even if only for a day. After all they were kids, just about the same age as those who serve in Iraq now.

It was a miracle that occurred on that one day and has seldom been repeated.

Yes, I know the partuculars of the enemy we face now, but I am looking at that event of so many years ago and thinking "wouldn't it be great if mankind could find that dignity once more. The reality is that we more than likely never will. I am as patriotic as the next man, and I love my country as much if not more. I spent 20 YEARS on active duty. But just one day to reflect on a miracle in the midst of a war isn't asking for too much now is it? Perhaps for some here, maybe it is. And that sir, is a sad fact.

[Colt .45]

That was supposed to be "whole stinking mess"!

[Colt .45]

Ping!

[RAY]

But can we get back to the miracle that occurred?

I repeat:

It is however, a tribute, that across no man's land they could extend the hand and enjoy a day in the name of Christ.

Merry Christmas!

[drt1]

"It was a miracle that occurred on that one day and has seldom been repeated.

It was a miracle but a miracle that threatened the control of the elites and the then MSM over the international order. IMO WWI was a disaster from any standpoint and resulted from, among other things, the willingness of the aristocracies to play an elaborate game of chess with millions of lives. This "Truce" threatened their control over the Game.