It is a commentary on modern war that commanders should fear lest the soldiers on each side become friendly. Our soldiers have no quarrel with `Fritz`, save during the heat of battle, or in retaliation for some blow below the belt. If whole armies fraternised politicians on both sides would be sore set to solve their problems. Yet it is possible that if there had been a truce for a fortnight on the whole trench line at any time after the Battle of the Somme the war might have ended - and what would mother have said then?

Colonel W.N. Nicholson, Staff Officer Suffolk Regiment

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