Christmas Truce of 1914 Overview

The Christmas Truce of 1914 was a remarkable event during World War I where British and German soldiers on the Western Front ceased fighting on Christmas Eve and Day. They sang carols, exchanged greetings, and met in no-man's land, initially feared as a trick but proven genuine when Germans were seen unarmed. Lieutenant Duggan Chater described the extraordinary sight of soldiers from both sides mingling, exchanging gifts, and playing football. However, the truce was not observed everywhere, and some officers worried it would affect morale. This event was one of the last instances of chivalry between enemies.

What event marked the beginning of the Christmas Truce of 1914?

• A ceasefire agreement

• Exchange of gifts

• Singing of carols by German troops

• A football match

What was the initial reaction of the Allied soldiers when they saw German soldiers approaching on Christmas Day?

• They called for reinforcements

• They prepared to fire

• They ran away

• They welcomed them with open arms

What did Second Lieutenant Duggan Chater describe in his letter home?

• A fierce battle

• A new weapon

• An extraordinary sight of peace

• A strategic military plan

What activities did the soldiers engage in during the truce?

• Training exercises

• Planning future attacks

• Building new trenches

• Exchanging gifts and playing football

Why were some officers unhappy with the truce?

• It was too costly

• It might weaken soldiers' fighting spirit

• It was not official

• It was too short

How long after the outbreak of war did the Christmas Truce occur?

• Three months

• Two years

• Five months

• One year

What was one of the last times the notion of chivalry between enemies was observed?

• During the D-Day landings

• During the Christmas Truce of 1914

• During the Battle of the Somme

• During the signing of the Treaty of Versailles