Lives of the First World War

December 1914

Christmas Day in The Trenches 1914 By Sargeant Harper D.C.M., 5th Dragoon Guards Recited by Dan Casey, 5th Dragoon Guards (1931) It was Christmas Day in the Trenches The sentry grave and stern Was looking out for the enemy While at home his dear loved ones yearned. The call had been For Your King and Country For Christmas he did not care a rap His duty was watching the Germans And he longed for the final scrap. Later relieved from his vigil He sat down for a smoke and a rest His eyes closed seeking slumber He thought of those he loved best. These were his wife and children In England – not so far away And he wonders if happiness had found them On this same Christmas Day. But ere he was sound in slumber The “call” it woke him up And he knew the enemy was advancing By the boom of a big “Krupp.” The order came – line your trenches At 500 – rapid – commence Each sprang up in duty’s full senses Not one man held back in suspense. But gripping their rifles tightly With faces that were stern and grim Meaning not to treat the Enemy lightly To push their bayonets in. For well they remembered German culture Which they spelt with a capital “K” And the suffering women and children too That they had all seen – Belgium way. Then there was Scarborough, Whitby, Hartlepool, Zeppelin raids as well So these our British soldiers Determined such conduct to quell. Onwards they went with a vengeance Then came a ringing cheer Though many were left behind them And to many more “Death” was near. Hand to hand came the encounter With such shocking defeat for the “Huns” They smilingly answered “Roll Call” Such are our Valiant Sons. The snow was now falling gently It was nearing the dead of night When the relieving regiments reached them Their duty to do, Dark or Light. Just quietly they exchanged places With simply a word or a grim And the tired relieved one shaped up smartly Such is the Army Discipline. Back away they marched through the darkness To just beyond the “Firing Line” Where they hoped for a few hours leisure For they had letters to write if they had time. And then this former sentry With paper and pencil of lead Sat down to write to his “Love Ones” And these were the words that he said. Dear Wife and Children in England I have not much news to tell But the news that I know that will please you best Is that I am fit and well. Today has been rather “quiet” For our dinner we had bully and bread Some of our chaps are wounded And young “Jinky” Jones is dead. We have not had many presents But one we accepted with glee It came with the best of wishes From Her Royal Highness The Princess Mary. There was a pipe, cigarettes, and tobacco In a box designed so clear And photos of their Majesties Which I shall keep as a souvenir. I hope your Christmas is happy Dear For mine has been rather “bright” Although I am out here doing my duty As a defender of the Right. In conclusion – Good-Bye God bless you Dear Until we meet again When the bells ring out their message Peace on Earth – Goodwill to all Men. Such was a soldier’s Christmas In this little story I have just told A Lion in the trenches At home – a lamb in the fold. Yet such are our British Soldiers The men who with rifles and guns Are British – True British Well – We know – Boys Who will beat the Kaiser and Huns.

Created by: , David10954