From Corporal Packer (initial not known)

"A" Company

1st Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment

Corporal Packer wrote the letter, of which this is an extract, to his wife on Christmas Day 1914.  He had a brother who was badly wounded at this time and was actually back home in Exeter undergoing treatment at the time this letter was received.

"I must tell you about what happened here on Christmas Eve. The German trenches here are only 150 yards from ours, and last night we heard some of them shouting out in English:

"You no shoot - we no shoot."

"It is your Christmas!"

"We want peace"

"You want peace"

So we agreed that each side should send a man half way. Our officer gave his permission for it - he is a perfect gentleman. So I went half way and the Germans did the same and we met and shook  hands.

I gave them some tobacco and they returned the compliment by giving me some chocolate biscuits, cigars and cigarettes and each side gave souvenirs. I had a pair of gloves, a watch and chain and a beard brush.

So you see I got a good Christmas present and was able to walk about safe for a few hours"