The Christmas Truce
World War One
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51m
On Christmas Eve 1914 many sectors of the Western Front in France and Belgium fell silent. Troops from all sides put down their weapons and sang carols, exchanged gifts and buried their dead in No Man's Land. The following day the truce continued in many, but not all areas, and troops gathered in crowds between the lines. There may even have been a bit of a kick about. This is the story of history’s most memorable Christmas - a celebration in the midst of slaughter. Featuring historians Peter Hart, Robin Schäfer and Taff Gillingham. Narrated by Shuna Snow.
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