Wooden Cross "The Khaki Chums Christmas Truce"

This field had the opposing lines running west to east through it, although the major part of it was no-man’s land. At Christmas 1914, men of both armies in this part of the line met here to talk, swap souvenirs and cigarettes and were said to have played a game of football. This impromptu Christmas Truce, frowned-upon by British High command, lasted for a week before the troop returned to the serious business of war. The Truce was never recorded north of this area but was enjoyed east of the wood and right down the line into northern France. Both sides took the opportunity during the cessation of hostilities to recover and bury the dead scattered around no-man’s Land.

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Source

• Text: Informatiebord
• Photos: Luc van Waeyenberge

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