Fritz and Tommy: Across the Barbed Wire

A British soldier helping a wounded German prisoner, 25 September 1916

More details: NAM. 1978-11-157-25-20

First World War historians Peter Doyle and Robin Schäfer examine letters from soldiers in both the British and German trenches, revealing the differences and significant similarities between the two sides.

This talk is part of the National Army Museum’s regular Celebrity Speakers series.

We like to think of German and British soldiers downing their weapons on Christmas Day in a magical moment of truce. The image of togetherness this conjures up reminds us that on both sides of the enemy lines, behind the uniforms and orders to fire, were young men with their own minds, values and sense of fun, who had to leave their homes and families to serve their country.

In this talk, First World War historians Peter Doyle and Robin Schäfer examine letters from boys of both sides. They will speak about differences in the styles of writing, suggesting both varying levels of education systems and censorship rules. They will also highlight the significant similarities between the many groups of men who came in their divisions to the front line for weeks at a time, many never to leave.

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