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World War 1: Football in No Man's Land ????????⚽ #ww1 #shorts



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…What was the Christmas Truce?

In the week leading up to 25 December, in 1914, a series of widespread, unofficial ceasefires along the Western Front occurred, with French, German and British soldiers crossing trenches to exchange seasonal greetings and talk.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, men ventured into no man's land to mingle, sing carols, and exchange food and souvenirs.

Soldiers used the opportunity to recover their dead and joint burial ceremonies were held, along with prisoner swaps.

One of the most memorable images of the truce was created when games of football were played.

The following year, in 1915, the truces were not nearly as widespread, in part, due to commanders prohibiting such activity.

And by 1916, soldiers were no longer amenable to truce for the war had become increasingly bitter after the human losses suffered during the battles of 1915.

Though the Christmas Truce of 1914 was the largest, the occurrence was not itself unique, with other such ceasefires taking place, albeit on a far smaller scale, reflecting an overall sentiment of "live and let live".

So…
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History
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