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OPERATION PLUM PUDDINGS  
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Welcome

THE Christmas Truce continues to inspire and intrigue those who hear about the meeting of opposing troops in 1914 for an informal truce involving the singing of carols and exchange of gifts. On this site you'll find many letters written by soldiers who took part in the truce. The letters have been transcribed by our volunteers. Read this overview of the truce for an introduction to the subject.

NEW ITALIAN BOOK ON TRUCE

italian bookLa Tregua Do Natale Del 1914 is the title of a new Italian book on the Christmas Truce. It's the good work of Antonio Besana and although it was not published for commerical reasons it can be obtained from the publisher at www.edizionilibreriamilitare.com. Our thanks to Antonio for forwarding us a couple of copies for our 'museum' of Truce works. Find out more on Antonio's website.

OH HOLY NIGHT

mike snow A DELIGHTFUL new book has been published from Christian author Mike C. Snow - and what a delight it is! It includes many of the letters transcribed by our volunteers and also very apposite religious quotations. There are also the lyrics of some of the songs and hymns sung during the truce. And it's all beautifully illustrated. This is a book that would definitely be a treat to own - and to give as a Christmas present. Details on Mike's website.

 

CHRISTMAS TRUCE BY K B HANCOCK

hancockAND while we are talking about ideal Christmas presents, how about this delightful print of one of artist K B Hancock's depiction of the Christmas Truce? We think the artist has caught something of the humble simplicity of the occasion but also beautifully-caught the atmosphere. There are a number of prints you can choose from depicting not only the truce but also other scenes from World War One.


 

truce coverYOU can buy a copy of our book, Not A Shot Was Fired, which includes many of the letters discovered by our volunteers.

MASTHEAD PICTURE courtesy of The Salient Remembrance Detachment.


 

 

 
 

 

Christmas truce memorial

FRELINGHIEN MEMORIAL

Read about the unveiling of the Christmas Truce memorial at Frelinghien in November 2008.

ABOUT THIS SITE

Operation Plum Puddings aims to collate the many letters printed in UK regional papers from soldiers who took part in the Christmas Truce of 1914. These letters provide a unique first-hand account of the truce and we feel they should be collated and preserved for future generations. About 80 letters from 100 newspapers have been transcribed so far. Why not join us and play your part in this exciting and valuable project?

Editors: Alan Cleaver
and Lesley Park