Welcome to the First Episode of the Historical Humans podcast, our first episode is the Christmas special discussing all the historical events of history including the Christmas Truce of 1914.
The Historical Humans podcast is hosted by Colum Coleman, Gwendolyn Allen, and Justin Woods.
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Began on Christmas Eve 1914
Lasted through Christmas Day 1914, Boxing Day (Dec. 26) 1914, or New Year’s Day 1915
Was unofficial and unsanctioned by both sides’ governments
Despite this, no court martials or disciplinary actions occurred as a result of the truce
Both sides benefited from morale and chance to repair defenses
Punishing the truce would have had a detrimental effect on morale
Occurred on parts of the Western front between mostly German and British troops
Estimated to have occurred in 2/3 of British line in Southern Belgium
Estimate by Malcolm Brown of Britain’s Imperial War Museums
Approximately 100,000 troops believed to have participated
Truce spread organically from regiment to regiment
Was not controlled or directed by officers or troops but instead was allowed to happen
Occurred only five months after the start of WWI
Attempts a truces in subsequent years was met with threat of disciplinary actions by commanders
Duration of the truce varied
Some places did not occur
Some places it lasted only Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Some places it lasted for several days after Christmas, even up to New Year’s Day
First sign of Truce 8:30 PM Christmas Eve
Germans light up trenches with Christmas trees and sing songs
German Silent Night met with British First Noel
Christmas Eve marked a shift in the weather
Several weeks of constant rain gave way to frost and snow
Rain and mud make trench warfare extra miserable
End to the rains a relief for both sides