WW1 “Christmas Truce” in photos

To commemorate 100 years since the incredible Christmas Truce, The Open University have searched through the IWM archives to find examples showing the impact of football during WW1.

December 2014 marks 100 years since the “Christmas Truce” of World War 1.

The truce, an unofficial ceasefire between British and German troops, saw soldiers venture into no-man’s land where they “walk[ed] about together all day giving each other cigars and singing songs” according a newly discovered letter written by General Walter Congreve, to his wife on Christmas day 1914.

One of the most iconic moments of the First World War, emanating from the Christmas Truce was the impromptu football match between the opposing British and German armies on the Western Front. Football transcended all levels of rivalry as hostilities ceased.

Research shows that football was a popular form of recreation for troops on both sides during World War 1, as explained by the Imperial War Museum. Not only did it serve as a distraction for nervous soldiers during tough times, it also helped to recruit men who were reluctant to join up.

You can see the catalogue of images here. Below are a selection take from the Open University Site:

Image Copyright

All images in this gallery have been researched and sourced from the Imperial War Museum. The images have been selected by In The Company of Huskies, on behalf of The Open University, and are shared under the IWM Non-Commercial License.