Wednesday, 27 December 2017

Review: Peace on Earth: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Boyle's short book does an excellent job of explaining both the circumstances which led up to the infamous Christmas day truces of the first World War as well as what took place.

What emerges is a subtle realisation on both sides that the war won't be a quick one as well the terrible weather,  their common humanity - and in many cases, common language.

There's humour too. I particularly liked the following exchange when British troops are invited to join in a sing-a-long:

British: We'd rather die than sing  German
German: It would kill us if you did.

The details of the locally agreed truces are also fascinating including terms like agreeing to fire warning shots above each other's heads if compelled to shoot by their superiors.

Verdict: Useful backgrounder


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