The Christmas truce was a series of
widespread but unofficial ceasefires along the Western Front around
Christmas 1914. In the week leading up to Christmas, German and British soldiers crossed trenches to exchange seasonal greetings and
talk. In areas, men from both sides ventured into no man's land on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to mingle and exchange food and souvenirs. There were joint
burial ceremonies and prisoner swaps, while several meetings ended in
carol-singing. Men played games of Football with one another, giving one of
the most enduring images of the truce.
As part of
the Forget Never project we wanted to remember these brave men, who took the
stand over Christmas 1914 and put down their weapons for a few hours. Linking
with Basildon’s twinning towns Meaux in France and Heiligenhaus in Germany, it
was agreed that a football match between the allies and our German colleagues
would take place. We were overwhelmed with the interest and support this project received from the three towns.
The match
was too played as close to the history of the original matches as possible. An
old leather football was purchased, a muddy field found, uniforms consisting of
plan white or grey shirts and braces were supplied – and most importantly no
referee!
The ladies
that attended the event were provided with period nurses aprons and head scarf’s
and enjoyed watching the match and singing on the sidelines – some even ended
up in goal
The match
played out between the two teams, with reinforcements arriving on the British
side from the French. The official score 4-2 to the Germans. But this match was
not about who won or who lost. It was to show how far our three towns have come
since 1914, to emphasise the reconciliation, friendship and partnership between
the three towns. How the towns have worked together through tough times. How
the towns support each other in the present day. The match was about the little
stories the players told each other after the match. Swapping mementos. Showing
of pictures of their families. Exchanging email address. Building bridges and
creating long lasting friendships.
We were delighted to have donated
to the project several bars of chocolate from Sainsbury’s who had recreated the
Cadbury bar from 1914. These were exchanged and in return our GERMAN colleagues
provided a treat and a poem written in all three languages which simply said:
Friendship means peace
Create as many friendships as you
can
Give the wars in the world no
chance
Merry Christmas and a peaceful
New Year 2014
SV Hoesel –
A Juniors – Ratingen – Germany
Preparing at
the start of the match – each team proudly holds their flag
The match is played on a muddy pitch in
the rain – just like 1914
The nurses rush on to help an injured
player
Four German
nurse take to the goal – well we did say
no rules!!!
The nurses, Laurent Guillame and Mayor of Meaux sing Silent
Night whilst the football match is in play
The end of
the match and the players no longer fly their countries flag but unite behind
the European flag.
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