WIP Christmas Truce 1914

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Thanks Malc and Simon, I'm hopeful it will come together well. I will practice the groundwork first though this time....

Regarding there being an historical record of the event, I'd guess at the time neither side wanted to acknowledge it, then the war ended and it was no longer an issue worth remembering.

Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of historical evidence for the truces and for fraternisation, it's recorded in letters and regimental diaries. But there are apparently only two occasions where football played between the Brits and the Germans can be corroborated by accounts on both sides. Otherwise it's largely hearsay that's been embellished over the years, especially by things like the 2014 commemorations (remember that tv advert?). But there definitely was some football, even if the Argylls vs Saxons probably didn't happen.......

That's the trouble with being a rivet counter 😁
 
Thanks Malc and Simon, I'm hopeful it will come together well. I will practice the groundwork first though this time....



Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of historical evidence for the truces and for fraternisation, it's recorded in letters and regimental diaries. But there are apparently only two occasions where football played between the Brits and the Germans can be corroborated by accounts on both sides. Otherwise it's largely hearsay that's been embellished over the years, especially by things like the 2014 commemorations (remember that tv advert?). But there definitely was some football, even if the Argylls vs Saxons probably didn't happen.......

That's the trouble with being a rivet counter 😁
There is so much that doesn't go down in the historical record and often it's the more entertaining or humane side of life. Listening to the stories of veterans from the time is always more rewarding than reading the dry histories or Regimental war diaries. That's often where real inspiration comes from.
Cheers Simon
 
Thanks Kev, Carl and Marcus, much appreciated.

Just need to know, did they use jumpers for goal posts. 😁
Most likely yes 😁 I found this quote from Ernie Williams of the 6th Cheshires:

"The ball appeared from somewhere, I don’t know where, but it came from their side – it wasn’t from our side that the ball came. They made up some goals and one fellow went in goal and then it was a general kickabout. I should think there were a couple of hundred taking part… There was no referee and no score, no tally at all. It was simply a melee.”

So jumpers for goalposts but no VAR........
 
Hi Nigel

The figures do look really good together , nice painting from your goodself

Very interesting to read about the “game” and to read quotes as well ...all adding to the piece

Look forward to seeing more

Happy benchtime

Nap
 
Thanks Kev, Carl and Marcus, much appreciated.


Most likely yes 😁 I found this quote from Ernie Williams of the 6th Cheshires:

"The ball appeared from somewhere, I don’t know where, but it came from their side – it wasn’t from our side that the ball came. They made up some goals and one fellow went in goal and then it was a general kickabout. I should think there were a couple of hundred taking part… There was no referee and no score, no tally at all. It was simply a melee.”

So jumpers for goalposts but no VAR........
No VAR but lots of TNT. Probably not a great idea to do a sliding tackle either. 🤣
 
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