Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Salt and Pepper (07/24/14)
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TITLE: WWI Battlefield Christmas | Previous Challenge Entry
By Robert Douglas Brown
07/30/14 -
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“My dear friend Carlton, we finally board the train that will take us to war and a quick pummel of the Keiser’s boys, those German devils my boy, those German devils.”
“I can see us now Michael, running across the battle-field and making quick work of old Fritz, as we civilized British like to call those German soldier boys, as my father likes to say.”
It was November 30, 1914, and World War I was in full-swing throughout most of Europe and beyond.
Carlton and Michael made their way through well wishers as the young men boarded the train that would take them to the battle grounds in eastern France. There was a festive mood among the well wishers. However, the young men would soon see war in its vile colors of blood red and the inky darkness of death.
As the train drew close to the edge of civilization, the young men realized that things were far different from what they had imagined.
“Carlton, what is going on?”
“Michael, this is not what we were told about this glorious war effort.”
The two young men looked as if the grim reaper was about to give them a one-way pass into the bowels of hell. However, their faith in Christ kept them grounded in the comfort that they knew came from Jesus.
Michael and Carlton soon found themselves in the worst deplorable conditions for any man given the task of fighting for his king and country.
After many weeks of trudging back and forth in the muddy trenches that contained urine, feces, and even dead soldiers, the two young soldiers met Patrick Linwood, one of the few chaplains in the trenches.
“Chaplain Linwood, Carlton and I are so glad that you have been assigned to our sector. We are born-again Christians and trust that Jesus will see us through this living nightmare.”
“I am so glad to hear that you are Christians, most of the soldiers in the trenches have lost hope and just want to die in order to find peace and leave this hellish nightmare behind once and for all. In a few days, it will be Christmas, and I feel something special is about to happen that will be beyond all comprehension, spoke the Chaplain.”
Christmas Eve greeted all soldiers in their respective trenches with very cold temperatures, and crystal clear azure skies. The trenches of the enemies were separated by a mere fifty yards of battle-scarred land that resembled a mixture of salt and pepper ashes.
Around 10:30 am, the German Soldiers in their trenches started singing Christmas Carols in their German tongue. As they finished one song, they immediately broke out in another carol, and continued song after song.
After a few more songs, the British Soldiers started singing along with the German troops. After and hour or so, both sides were merrily singing along with each other, and were applauding each other after each song.
Captain Erwin Manstiem, the officer in charge of the German Fifth Infantry Regiment, wrote a simple note.
“Corporal Braun, get the flag stick for our Regiment’s flag, find a white piece of cloth, and report back to me in no more than five minutes.”
“Yes Sir Captain Manstiem, I will be back in two minutes sir.”
The speedy corporal soon returned with a flag stick and white flag in hand. Captain Manstiem wrote the note asking the British officer in charge if they would agree to a truce through 6:00 am, December 26th.
“Captain Spencer, there is a German Corporal that just came out of his own trench waiving a white flag on a stick. What should I do, sir?” asked Private Widderspoon.
“Private Widderspoon, you, Private Hinson, and Chaplain Linwood, go and meet the German Corporal and safely escort him to me, and back to his trench after I see what he requests.” spoke Captain Spencer.
The good captain answered the request from the German officer. Men from both sides met in no man’s land, and sprinkled twigs from some pine trees that the German Soldiers provided along with some red candle shavings from the British Soldiers over the salt-and-pepper-like ashes to celebrate Christmas the way the Lord intended.
Christmas of 1914 saw men from both sides putting away their hatred and truly having peace on earth if only for a short time.
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The Lord has led me in the direction to write about fiction and non-fiction events about how the Lord can use the lowest Private to the 4-Star General to carry out his work. We should never forget the price that has been paid for our freedom. Men and women still are paying this price everyday.
The peace of the Lord prevailed even during "the war" all coming together for the blessed event.
Robert, you've done a fine job depicting the emotions and allowing the reader to visualize each detail. Your research and dedication to bringing these stories to life, shows in every word.
You really are led by the Spirit honoring our military, well done!
Keep shining His light my friend,
God bless~
This should touch the heart of anyone who reads it.
Great job my dear friend!!
Your style of writing is sincere and entertaining. I love the two enemies coming together to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Excellent writing.
You put the theme to good use in your writing.
Keep it up.
You have a wonderful gift of writing. Keep up the good work.
I was wondering though, if you might consider writing a piece in the language of today's young soldier. I always appreciate your style of story telling, but thought you might appeal to a larger audience if you were to try writing from the perspective of a 2014 soldier, perhaps him retelling this event to his squad members who are facing a dangerous mission (just a thought).
Continue the great work. You are a good military historian, and I can picture your stories appearing in veteran magazines. Your fans love you and your work. Keep on growing in your writing skills, and keep on posting!