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British troops celebrate Christmas Day in the Somme, 1916

 

Photograph of British soldiers celebrating Christmas. They are obviously cold and still in danger, even during this moment of relative happiness. They are all wearing helmets in case the Germans take this opportunity to drop a few shells on them, while they are out of their trenches. Their meal looks like it some soup or gruel, judging from the man in the middle who appears to be draining a bowl. Behind them is a cross marking a grave, a poignant reminder of what they are facing and what Christmas was supposed to mean, but seems to distant during this awful winter during World War 1.

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Victor Doppelt

Victor Doppelt

Victor Doppelt explores the world of yesterday through vintage photographs and informative articles.