- Public Domain Image by Vera Kratochvil
My last offering is one that I have not known for very long, but I have heard of the events on which it was based. The character of Francis Tolliver is fictional, but the event he describes is real. Words fail me at this point, but the song speaks for itself. Merry Christmas to All, and God’s blessings especially on all who, today, face war, persecution and strife.
Christmas in the Trenches,
by John McCutcheon
.
My name is Francis Tolliver, I come from Liverpool.
Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school.
From Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany, to here
I fought for King and country I love dear.
.
‘Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost, so bitter, hung.
The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung.
Our families back in England were toasting us that day,
Their brave and glorious lads so far away.
.
I was lying with my messmates on the cold and rocky ground,
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound.
Says I, “Now listen up, me boys!” each soldier strained to hear
As one young German voice sang out so clear.
.
“He’s singing bloody well, you know!” my partner says to me.
Soon, one by one, each German voice joined in harmony.
The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more
As Christmas brought us respite from the war.
.
As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent,
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” struck up some lads from Kent.
The next they sang was “Stille Nacht.” “Tis ‘Silent Night’,” says I,
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky.
.
“There’s someone coming toward us!” the front line sentry cried.
All sights were fixed on one long figure trudging from their side.
His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shown on that plain so bright
As he, bravely, strode unarmed into the night.
.
Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man’s Land.
With neither gun nor bayonet, we met there hand to hand.
We shared some secret brandy and we wished each other well
And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave ’em hell.
.
We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home.
These sons and fathers far away from families of their own.
Young Sanders played his squeezebox and they had a violin,
This curious and unlikely band of men.
.
Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more.
With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war.
But the question haunted every heart that beat that wondrous night:
“Whose family have I fixed within my sights?”
.
‘Twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost, so bitter, hung.
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung.
For the walls they’d kept between us to exact the work of war
Had been crumbled and were gone forevermore.
.
My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell.
Each Christmas come since World War I, I’ve learned its lessons well.
That the ones who call the shots won’t be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle we’re the same.
.
© 1984 John McCutcheon – All rights reserved
December 28th, 2013 at 6:04 am
If you haven’t seen this movie, I highly recommend it: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424205/
January 1st, 2014 at 4:14 pm
A friend of mine suggested this, too. I will have to watch it. :)
Happy New Year!
December 30th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Yes, I just saw the movie for the first time this year too. (The 2005 version) I thought it was really splendid and highly recommend it. Thanks for sharing the poem!
January 1st, 2014 at 4:15 pm
You’re welcome! Though it’s better as a song. I suggest listening to it. :)
Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2013 at 1:50 pm
Have you read Duffy’s take? http://stopwar.org.uk/poetry/carol-ann-duffy-the-christmas-truce
January 1st, 2014 at 4:20 pm
I had not, but I have now. Thank you.
Happy New Year, ‘ly!
December 31st, 2013 at 8:30 pm
Thank you for posting such lovely songs this month. I hope you had a great Christmas, and I wish you a happy new year!
January 1st, 2014 at 4:20 pm
Happy New Year to you as well! Blessings on you and yours.
December 1st, 2014 at 4:44 pm
[…] 25: Christmas in the Trenches – And finally, last-year’s Christmas offering. It’s pretty […]