When Albert joins the army in December 1914 he is trained ready to go and fight in the trenches in France. Initially, many thought the war would be over by Christmas but now it is clear that it could go on for a long time. Conditions in the trenches are tough. Albert is cold, wet, lice-ridden – and in constant fear for his life. Christmas Day is approaching fast. Will it be just the same as every other day? That is what everyone is expecting but, as Christmas Day dawns it soon turns out that soldiers on both sides of non-man’s-land have very special plans. Christmas Day 1914 tells of one days of friendship in the midst of total carnage.
Flanders, 1914. The German and British soldiers in the trenches make an unofficial Christmas truce, with carols and a football match. But the officers aren't happy...
A veteran soldier and a young recruit are 'celebrating' Christmas in the trenches of Flanders in 1914. They hear the enemy sing carols and watch them place Christmas Trees in the trenches opposite. They begin to shout greetings across no-man's land and end up playing an international football match. The match is hard-fought but with moments of generosity and sportsmanship on both sides. They see the 'enemy' as vulnerable humans and the officers are furious. Further unofficial truces are banned and the war goes on with bullets instead of footballs. But it's a memory that stays with young Albert long after the war.
"These tales really bring alive the way ordinary people felt and reacted to the horrors of war and are an excellent way to help children understand what happened - as well as being a great read." - Parents in Touch
Author
About Terry Deary
One of the World Book Day 2014 Authors Terry Deary is the author of 249 fiction and non-fiction books published in 36 years and is one of the most successful children’s authors of all time. His Horrible Histories series has sold over 6 million copies in the UK and has been translated into over 40 languages, as well as being adapted into a BAFTA award-winning television series for CBBC. Terry was also voted The Outstanding Non-Fiction Author of the 20th Century (Books for Keeps). He has now turned his attentions to adult fiction and non-fiction and more television and stage work.
He is married to Jenny and they have a daughter Sara who recently had twins, Terry's first grandchildren. He lives in Durham.
