Silent Night

The Christmas Truce has become an iconic memory of humanity and humility that transcended political and cultural boundaries amidst great strife.

Credit: Don McNevin (copyright, 2020. May not be reproduced without permission).

SILENT NIGHT

Silent Night, Holy Night

All is calm, all is bright

‘Round yon Virgin,

mother and child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

(German)

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht

Alles schläft; einsam wacht

Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.

Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,

Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

COMFORTS OF HOME

Special occasions like Christmas were difficult for any soldier as it made them long for home and time with their families more than most days. Tunes like Silent Night, while solemn and reflective, helped to bring peace – if only for a little while.

With packs already weighted down with provisions, soldiers could ill afford to carry bulky instruments. The compact and light harmonica was the perfect solution. For fighting forces, many a tune played on the harmonica was a good antidote to the sting of war.

Stores such as Eaton’s sold a range of harmonicas (mouth organs) starting at about 15 cents up to 50 cents each. In addition to being portable, they were also affordable.

Source: Eaton’s Catalogue, Fall & Winter 1915-1916, page 276.

View Charles Herbert Wheelock's Service Record at Library and Archives Canada.

A LOCAL SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS

Charles Herbert “Bert” Wheelock of Orangeville enlisted in 1915. He served overseas with the 14th Battery, 4th Brigade of the Canadian Field Artillery (CFA) where he was promoted to the rank of Bombardier (Corporal in the artillery).

Below are excerpts from a Christmas letter he wrote which was printed in the Orangeville Banner in 1916. He wrote:

“You will be surprised to know that we had quite a gay time at Christmas. On Christmas Eve we were invited to a social evening by the officers and it turned out a great success. We threw hoops over bottles, rolled balls into an empty shell case, etc. for prizes. The prizes were fine and were a great surprise to us. There were spurs, small looking glasses, tobacco, cigarettes, note paper, cocoa, coffee, playing cards, and heaps of other things. We ordered Christmas dinner at a small café near our lines and had a splendid dinner, everything to plum pudding and champagne. After dinner the boys put up quite a good entertainment…

A short time ago we were at a first class concert. Four artists were sent out by the Princess Victoria to entertain the troops. The concert was held in the expeditionary force recreation room, which was packed. So you see even at the front it is not all work and no play…

We appreciate, very much, the parcels received from the Soldiers Club and The Daughters of the Empire and more especially as it impresses upon us the fact that the kind thoughts of the people in the old home town are with us. The selection of the contents showed thoughtful care for our comfort and pleasure. The parcels contained almost everything we could desire and were simply splendid. The packing was a marvel and everything reached us in the best of shape.”

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