Thom Davies Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 I've always enjoyed the story of the brief truce between the Germans and the Brits during Christmas of 1914. The story as I'd heard it included the troops from both sides laying down their weapons, crawling out of their trenches, singing Christmas carols, exchanging gifts, buring some of their dead and even playing a pick up game of soccer on no man's land. Today I read the humble concertina is connected to this outbreak of peace. This quote is from a letter written by a soldier named Gerald Blake writting to his mother and brother "The quaint thing concerning Christmas here was the informal truce observed by the B infantry of both sides over Christmas and Boxing Days. It began with the singing of various songs by the Germans who also had a cornet and concertina going. Our fellows cheered each song and the two sides shouted Christmas greetings. I myself was lying between the trenches in what is called a 'listening post' to see if they were making any movements, and could therefore hear admirably. When morning came there was none of the usual sniping, but soldiers of both sides came out of the trenches and advanced into the centre to chat and exchange cigarettes. They were sick of war, confident of victory and has been told of a Russian defeat.... The occasion was seized to bury some of their dead, over whom one of their officers held a service and at the conclusion thanked 'his English friends'. They seemed a decent lot for Germans, ... ." Cool eh. The letter was published in my local newspaper - the Hamilton Specator. Merry Christmas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam B Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 The concertina is mentioned in the song "Christmas in the Trenches" by John McCutcheon, "Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin This curious and unlikely band of men." I've got a great rendition on a CD called Soldiers' Songs by Mike McCann. There are plenty of versions on itunes too. Thanks for sharing the article. Merry Christmas all, and may there be more truces, and more peace on earth! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragtimer Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 (edited) The concertina is mentioned in the song "Christmas in the Trenches" by John McCutcheon, "Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin This curious and unlikely band of men." The Celtic + Old-Timey band I play with, performed this very song at an arts + crafts fest last year (would have this year, but got snowed out!). The tune, with its descending scale phrases, makes for wonderful Duet harmonizations in parallel 3rds or 6ths. And yes, I flashed a big grin at the line about Sanders and his squeeze box -- tho it appears originally it was a German with the box -- not that it matters, really. Merry Christmas all, and may there be more truces, and more peace on earth! Amen! Edited December 24, 2007 by ragtimer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffwright Posted December 24, 2007 Share Posted December 24, 2007 My Grandfather told me some WW1 pilots used to take bricks and rocks up and when they ran out of bullets, used to lob rocks out of the plane at Germans. He also said they used to wave at the German pilots to arrange to go off and refuel then come back and continue. He didn't spend any Christmases there but spent his 21st birthday at the front, and thankfully did come back. A Peacefull Christmas to one and all ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Barnert Posted December 25, 2007 Share Posted December 25, 2007 The concertina is mentioned in the song "Christmas in the Trenches" by John McCutcheon, "Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin This curious and unlikely band of men." Here is the page at the Mudcat Cafe with the complete words to the song and links to a MIDI of the tune and threads that discuss the song. ...and to all, a GOOD NIGHT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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