It was just after Christmas morning and the German troops stopped firing their guns and started singing Christmas carols. Reports from troops along the western and eastern fronts even said they could hear brass bands playing alongside the German voices.

German soldiers were then seen climbing out of their trenches, shouting Merry Christmas to the enemy. At first the allies believed it was a trick, but when they saw the men were unarmed they joined in.

There were stories of exchanged gifts and even a game of football (soccer) was played between the two opposing sides.

But war was young. WW1 had broken out only five months earlier. By Christmas 1915 such a truce was unthinkable as the death tolls rose dramatically.