On Christmas Day 1914, British and German forces embattled in fierce trench warfare against each other in France declared an unauthorized truce. They met in what was called "no man's land" between the battle lines and drank and played soccer, sharing photos of each other's loved ones.

When the day was over, they went back to killing each other.

That day has been brought to life on its 100th anniversary in a heartwarming Christmas ad for a British supermarket chain.

One has to wonder when watching this what it was that drove them back to the trenches following such an endearing display of humanity.

Sainsbury
Sainsbury
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According to this historical essay on the Truce, the ad stays pretty close to what really happened on that Christmas, and writes of its legacy:

THE enduring legacy of the truce has been positive and it's looked upon today as a wonderful example of humanity during an dreadfully dark hour of man's history. It has inspired many songs, paintings, literature, films and other art works - too numerous to list. But it's greatest legacy must surely be the message of Hope. As a Highland Regiment officer said in The Times in 1915:

"It is a great hope for future peace when two great nations hating each other as foes have seldom hated, one side vowing eternal hate and vengeance and setting their venom to music, should on Christmas day and for all that the word implies, lay down their arms, exchange smokes and wish each other happiness."

The Truce was also the subject of a song written and performed by John McCutcheon called "Christmas In The Trenches". Some of the words at the end of the song were poignant:

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

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