Christmas 1916

Christmas 1916. Although the nation didn't know it, was slap bang right in the middle of the war. Had they known they were only half way through, I would imagine they would have soon given up. December 1916 was a hard one, both on the front and at home. The soldiers on the front had spent months fighting day and night during the battle of the Somme and had seen the friends injured or killed among them. 

The home front was full of shortages, especially from the likes of bread and meat. German naval operations over the previous months had meant that everything seemed to be in short supply and what there was saw a huge price increase almost overnight. To add to this, Europe seemed to be having the worst weather in over thirty years and so you can imagine how low morale was getting. 

Telegrams were still arriving each day, they certainly couldn't stop for Christmas. However, what was different was how much more of a greater understanding the home front had. This was due to The Somme film being released in cinemas around the country. It was the first time anything like this had been shown and for women was the first real insight into what war was really like. They now knew that when those telegrams arrived, the chances were that suffering had probably been endured before death. 

The home front did try to connect with the front line soldiers, with many people putting together food hampers or knitting scarves and socks to send to the soldiers. Of course, families still sent letters and parcels to their loved ones if they could, but now there was a greater sense of doing there bit.

Christmas was so different then compared to now. Homes didn't have electric and so there were none of the pretty lights we all love to see around. Neither were presents wrapped because that was a waste and could be better used to help the war effort. People didn't expect to get a present either but were grateful if they received one. Remembering this certainly does make you appreciate the things you have got in life and shows the true meaning of Christmas - to be with those you love and cherish memories that are made. 

I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas this year. I wanted to end by sharing this poem I read recently by an Australian soldier named Leslie George Rub. In a round about way, he tells you exactly what life was like during Christmas 1916, so I hope you enjoy it!

Christmas Day On The Somme

‘Twas Christmas Day on the Somme

The men stood on parade, 

The snow laid six feet on the ground

Twas twenty in the shade.

Up spoke the Captain ‘gallant man’,

“Just hear what I’ve to say, 

You may not have remembered that

Today is Christmas Day.”

“The General has expressed a wish

This day may be observed, 

Today you will only work eight hours,

A rest that’s well deserved.”

“I hope you’ll keep yourselves quite clean

And smart and spruce and nice,

The stream is frozen hard

But a pick will break the ice.”

“All men will get two biscuits each,

I’m sure you’re tired of bread,

I’m sorry there’s no turkey

But there’s Bully Beef instead.”

“The puddings plum have not arrived

But they are on their way,

I’ll guarantee they’ll be in time

To eat next Christmas Day.”

“You’re parcels would have been in time

But I regret to say

The vessel which conveyed them was

Torpedoed on the way.”

“The Quartermaster’s got your rum

But you may get some yet,

Each man will be presented with

A Woodbine cigarette.”

“The Huns have caught us in the rear

And painted France all red,

Pray do not let that trouble you, 

Tomorrow you’ll be dead.”

“Now ere you go I will you all

This season of good cheer,

A very happy Christmas and

A prosperous New Year.”