25 December, 2016
World War 1 Tales: The War Game by Terry Deary tells us about the First World War in Europe during Christmas in 1914. The theme of Christmas is explored in the novel. The main character in the novel is Albert Watson, a young soldier from England who is spending his first Christmas away from home. Albert is homesick and sad about having to spend Christmas day in the trenches.Albert's sadness is alleviated by the Christmas card and other gifts he receives from the King and Queen of England. The novel takes a surprising turn when the British soldiers hear ‘Silent Night’ being played. On Christmas Eve there is an unexpected truce between the British and German soldiers which continues till after Boxing Day. On Christmas Day the British and German soldiers play a football match. The Generals on both sides are furious when they hear about the truce.
The novel tells a story about friendship and goodwill during Christmas. The First World War became extremely bitter after 1914, and a Christmas truce never occurred thereafter.