World War I - Football Between the Trenches
One of our regular visitors came across a Berwickshire News article from the First World War describing a Christmas truce between British and German soldiers.
The article, dated 12 January 1915 was based on correspondence received by Mr Andrew Davidson, West Coates, Berwick from a former groom (unnnamed) serving in the Seaforth Highlanders. This gentleman wrote:
“We had a rather curious Christmas. You will be surprised to hear we left our trenches, went half way, the Germans doing the same, and had a good Christmas greeting , getting cigrars and cigarettes and all sorts of presents. They think the British a very brave lot, and fairly gave us a good clapping on the back. They said they were going too keep up the truce for 3 days; and they were as good as their word; there was not a single shot exchanged on either side. We could knock about just the same as if peace was declared; in fact, some of our fellows were playing football along thr firing line-rather a curious affair after such revengeful attacks on each other.”
Posted by: Juline
