Episode One: The Christmas Truce

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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The Christmas Truce

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