The painting illustrated above shows a football match played by soldiers of the Cheshire Regiment against men of the German Army on Christmas Day 1914. I am very proud to say that I once commanded the Cheshires. On 25th December 1914 a truce was agreed between the combatants and eventually someone produced a ball and a game of football was soon underway. Featured is Private Ernie Williams taking the ball off a German soldier. Standing on the right and accepting a light for his cigarette from a German officer is Lieutenant Charles Brockbank. Both Cheshire soldiers thankfully survived the war and Lieutenant Brockbank served in the Home Guard in World War 2.
The supermarket Sainsbury's, in association with the Royal British Legion, have recently produced an advertisement showing this truce and the actors playing the part of British soldiers from 100 years ago are all wearing the Cheshire cap badge. I was very pleased by the advert.
May I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and lovely New Year. God Bless you all.