Christmas 1914 The 1st Battalion Christmas 1914 On the 23 at 4.15 p.m the battalion marched out to trenches again in relief of Lincolns. The Battalion occupies E Lines this time with Headquarters on Rue Tilleloy near junction of Rue Masselot and Rue Tilleloy. Draft of 64 N.C.O.s and Riflemen joined the Battalion in the trenches. Christmas eve nothing of importance occurred until 8 p.m. when, heralded by various jovialities from their trenches, the Germans placed lamps on their parapets and commenced singing. Various remarks such as If you English come out and talk to us – we wont fire etc., etc., were shouted out on which our men came out and both British and Germans met half way between their respective trenches and conversed. A good many Germans spoke English well. They were well clothed, clean shaved, good physique and rather inclining to extremes of age. The following reports by O.C. 1 RIR to Brigade HQ on this curious situation – a Soldiers Truce – were sent: [8.30 p.m.] Germans have illuminated their trenches, are singing songs and are wishing us a Happy Xmas. Compliments are being exchanged but am nevertheless taking all military precautions. [9 p.m.] Message from Brigade: Following instructions from GHQ for information and necessary action begins – It is thought possible that enemy may be contemplating an attack during Christmas or New Year. Special vigilance will be maintained during this period. From O.C. 1 RIR [11.45 p.m.] Germans before my Regiment state they will not fire until midnight 25th/26th unless we fire. No shots has been fired since 8 p.m. A small party of one Company met Germans half way and conversed. 158th Regiment, fine men, clean and well clothed. They gave us a cap and helmet badge and a box of cigars. One of them states the war would be over in 3 weeks as they had defeated Russia. A large number of Germans came out of their trenches, which appeared quite as strongly held as ours. Digging and erection of wire continued. All Companies have been cautioned to be doubly alert. German trenches still illuminated. From Brigade 12.35 a.m.: No communication of any sort is to be held with the enemy nor is he to be allowed to approach our trenches under penalty of fire being opened. Christmas Day. This situation continued right through the night. At dawn 25th, the Germans shouted out Merry Xmas from their trenches and danced and sang in front of their parapets. Message from Brigade 8.40 a.m.: 8th Division message begins – So long as Germans do not snipe, there should be no sniping from our lines today but greatest vigilance must be maintained as Germans are not to be trusted. Our guns will not be firing today unless asked to do so by Infantry or unless German guns fire. From OC 1 RIR 11.30 a.m. Progress report. All very quiet along my front. Has been no sound of sniping on either flank even for some time. Situation seems evolving into a kind of mutual armistice ending at 12 midnight tonight. The restrictions are being observed by both sides. Germans are moving about on their parapets doing odd jobs which seem quite harmless. At dawn this morning enemy came out on their parapets and cheered and danced and called out Merry Christmas, etc. Reconnaissance last night points to conclusion that enemys trenches and advanced posts were strongly held apart from those who were fraternising and singing. Position in our trenches is – careful guard by those held on duty while allowing those off duty to relax. This seems to be the German attitude also. (Later) Germans are now walking up and down outside their trenches. Our men are mostly in their trenches – those out are in rear of their parapets. Actual communication with the enemy is forbidden. It is very doubtful how one should regard this curious soldiers truce. The German soldiers themselves are probably simple minded enough about the thing but only time will show whether there is not something behind all this and whether we have not made a mistake in permitting this to take place. The following notes are recorded: 1. The truce is sought entirely by the enemy. 2. The enemy have asked for 2 days of this which has been refused by the Officers of the Battalion in the firing line. 3. The mutual arrangement is that if either side construct works or carry out repairs to works that the other consider not playing the game, they will fire shots over the other sides heads. 4. Captain OSullivan, Commanding B Company of the Battalion, will fire his revolver at 12 midnight tonight 25th/26th at which signal the truce ends. Only a few shots were fired by the enemy after the midnight signal was fired by Capt. OSullivan from our trenches. Shortly before midnight a party of Germans came over towards B Companies trenches and were ordered back. During the morning of the 26th the enemy fired very few shots. Some of our sentries were above their parapets and the Germans, throughout the morning, appeared to have no intention of opening fire on us. At 4.45 p.m the Battalion was on relieved by Lincs. Regt and moved into Divisional Reserve Billets near Laventie Station. At 11.45 p.m. Telephone message from Bde. that a German deserter to the 13th London Regt. states that a German attack along our whole front was premeditated for 12.15 a.m. The Battalion was ordered to turn out and take up position at La Flinque Cross Roads. Men were placed in adjacent farms nearby and awaited further orders. Our guns opened a vigorous fire for about 20 minutes and that appeared to be all that happened. At 7 a.m on the 27th the Battalion received orders to move back to Billets. The remainder of the day was spent in scraping off the trench mud and making up for lost sleep. The deserter who caused the alarm on the night of 26th/27th unfortunately did not fall into the Battalions hands. On the 28th the Battalion went to the Divisional baths in Estairesby Companies as before. Baths duly appreciated. The 2nd Battalion Christmas 1914 . On the 24th the Battalion to trenches KEMMEL. The 25th in trenches. No casualties The 26th in trenches Casualties 3 wounded. The 27th in trenches. Casualties 2 wounded, marched to Westtoutre. The 28th to the 31st In billets, then marched to Locre
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:15:31 +0000
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