ROBB CENTRE NEWS GEORGE S. ROBB CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF THE GREAT WAR AT PARK UNIVERSITY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
American Soldiers embarking at St. Nazaire, 6 December 1918. Source: American Battle Monuments Commission
CHRISTMAS IN A EUROPE AT PEACE
hut and well fed with plenty of the best of food, not out in the cold and wet trenches hungry like so many of us thought we would be only a few months back. And too, that I escaped the wounds and disease so
BY ISABELLA TASSET
many of our boys fell victim to this summer and fall,
While the United States was doing what it could to
beneath the sod on these cruel and bloody battle
address the logistical issues that arose from the
fronts."
not saying anything about the unfortunate sons lying
aftermath of World War I, the soldiers left in Europe that December of 1918 had much to celebrate.
At the same time that December 1918 was a time of celebration for American servicemembers, it was also
In France, people celebrated the armistice for weeks
one of solemn remembrance of those that didn't
afterward by setting off rockets, lighting bonfires, waving
make it to see peace restored. As winter progressed,
flags, dancing and singing both the French National
Americans and Europeans alike began to experience
Anthem and the Star-Spangled Banner. A soldier from Ohio, Charles A. Kline, writing to his parents in mid-
the effects of shell shock in full force. The war had ended, but trauma lingered.
November 1918, remarked, ". . . it seems very funny not to hear the big guns roaring and the almost constant glare of fire. But everybody is sure glad there are no more shells flying. I hope peace is soon signed and we are on our way home." Kline would remain in Europe for the rest of the winter. As the "Peace Christmas" approached, more celebrations
DECEMBER CALENDAR Christmas Truce
were held across Europe, but most Americans were eager to return to their homes: "Father and Sisters, I have much to be very thankful for this Christmas Eve, altho (sic) many miles from home, I am quartered in a cozy little DECEMBER 2020, VOLUME 4
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Christmas on the Front Lines in 1914 BY TIMOTHY WESTCOTT, PH.D.
The Christmas Truce of 1914 remains one of the most recognizable events in the early months of World War I. The unofficial cease-fire along some lines of the Western Front brought the firing of rifles and shells of artillery to an eerie silence. The sounds of war were replaced with lighted Christmas trees, songs of the season, brass bands playing, exchanging of cigarettes and plum puddings, and the famous soccer match.
Source: www.warfarehistorynetwork.com
German Lt. Kurt Zehmisch recalled: “How marvelously wonderful, yet how strange it was. The English officers felt the same way about it. Thus, Christmas, the celebration of Love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends for a time.� Officers from both sides disapproved and future attempts to repeat the celebration were forbidden by threatening disciplinary actions. British Pvt. Frederick Heath, writing home, recalled: "Come out, English soldier; come out here to us. Up and down our line one heard the men answering that Christmas greeting from the enemy. How could we resist wishing each other a Merry Christmas? The night wore on to dawn--a night made easier by songs from the German trenches, the pipings of piccolos and from our broad lines laughter and Christmas carols. Not a shot was fired." In the spirit of the Christmas Truce, the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War team wishes each of you a blessed holiday season.
Source: www.worldwar1centennial.org
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Time of Reflection BY TIMOTHY WESTCOTT, PH.D.
Adopt-A-Book Program
The George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War team, consisting of staff, history and political science student interns, and high school students, have been inspired daily by the service of our World War I servicemembers, but also by the support of our partners, sponsors and descendants. We continue to chronicle the lives and military service of more than two-hundred WWI veterans that demonstrated valor on and off the European battlefields and the homefront.
BY TIMOTHY WESTCOTT, PH.D.
We enter a season of reflection, thanks and hope. We express deepest appreciation to those men and women currently serving our nation abroad and at home. Our thoughts and prayers are sent with gratitude.
cost is $50.
As a veteran, I recall the family holidays and special occasions missed due to being overseas or far-away stateside. Though those family events were missed, I was blessed to have shared holidays and special occasions with another family . . . my military bandof-brothers and sisters. When I read the stories or files of the servicemembers being researched, I wonder what they experienced on a particular day or time. What were they writing home to a parent, a wife, a sibling or a sweetheart? What were parents, wife’s, siblings or sweethearts writing to these loved ones serving? A century has passed since the service of these men, but their stories remain as relative today in our own challenging time as in their own time. When proposing the legislation that authorized the Valor Medals Review, no federal appropriations were sought. Our partners and sponsors have been generous in their support and with your help we can continue our research and tell the forgotten stories of these servicemembers. Your donation can be made by visiting https://advancing.park.edu/events/valor-medals/
Researching the lives of servicemembers, military unit histories, official government publications and general World War I history encompasses the necessity of past and present scholarship. The Robb Centre's team invites our friends and supporters to consider donating needed resources through our “Adopt-A-Book Program.” We have calculated that the average resource
Donors will be recognized by a special designed book plaque placed inside the front cover. Certain selections purchased will be featured on the Robb Centre Facebook page and Twitter account. A monthly display of selections will be exhibited in the Robb Centre and listed in forthcoming Robb Centre News newsletters and the Valor Magazine . Donations may be completed online at http://advancing.park.edu/valormedals. Please note in the “Leave a comment” box Adopt-aBook. The Robb Centre team greatly appreciates your support. Recent purchases: Margaret MacMillan. Paris 1919. H. W. Crocker III. The Yanks Are Coming . James J. Hudson. Hostile Skies . David Stevenson. With Our Backs to the Wall .
DECEMBER 2020, VOLUME 4
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Centre Updates BY ASHLYN WEBER AND JOSHUA WESTON
Sponsorship Opportunities
Over the past month, the George S. Robb Centre for the
Research Investors
Study of the Great War has continued work on divisional
The George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War
histories, individual engagement templates, and
invites research investors to join the Valor Medals Review
individual personal narratives for the Valor Medals
effort to properly recognize our servicemembers. The
Review. As we reach the end of the year, we have
research is supported by legislation (S. 1281 / H.R. 2249)
reflected greatly on the strides in research each of us
signed within the National Defense Authorization Act on
have made under stressful circumstances (not unlike
20 December 2019,
workplaces around the country). We are extremely proud of the mobility and grace our team members have shown over the last few months of transition. Alongside the VMR, staff have been working on Park student and alumni recordkeeping in conjunction with the University's Frances Fishburn Archives and Special Collections; our series, Park WWI Alumni Killed in Action, monitored by Park University senior Tanner Weiser, is nearly complete with narratives on all 10 individuals. Finalized numbers of students and alumni of the Spanish-American War, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War are the upcoming winter
To discuss investing in the project, please contact:
projects. The Robb Centre’s Park Hill Professional
Nathan Marticke, Chief Advancement Officer
Studies student (In partnership with the Park Hill (Mo)
Park University - 816-584-6844 -
School District) Isabella Tasset, is in the process of
nathan.marticke@park.edu.
digitizing some of Park University’s oldest publications,
Give Today! http://advancing.park.edu/valormedals
the Literary Monthly (1885-90) and Parkette (1894-95) in
(No federal appropriations are funding the project)
the hopes of supplying an invaluable Park resource for researchers around the world. The Robb Centre
Strategic Partners
executive team would like to thank each of our students
Partners are critical to advancing the mission of the Valor
for their dedication and professionalism over the last
Medals Review. Endorsements, research support or other
year.
non-financial support of the successful completion of the Valor Medals Review is invited.
The Robb Centre staff wish all a happy and healthy holiday season. We look forward to updating our
To discuss becoming a strategic partner, please contact:
supporters in the new year.
Dr. Timothy Westcott, Director George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, Park University - 816-584-6364 - tim.westcott@park.edu
Centre Staff
Visit Us
Dr. Timothy Westcott Director Email: tim.westcott@park.edu
Website: https://gsr.park.edu
Ms. Ashlyn Weber Associate Director Mr. Joshua Weston Senior Military Analyst
Facebook: George S.Robb Centree for the Study of the Great War LinkedIn: George S Robb Centre at Park University YouTube Channel: George S Robb Centre Twitter: @CentreRobb
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