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Belleau Wood
Sun May 26 2002

When I was about 10 years old, I read a book titled "The Good Master" by I believe Kate Seredy (not sure on the last name). Shortly after that I read the sequel "The Singing Tree". In this book was a reference to an even that took place one Christmas during WWI, but no location or specifics were mentioned. I figured this was the author telling a good story.

Several years later, I read another book, I have long forgotten the name and title. The same event was mentioned, but this time a loction was given, Belleau Wood. I seem to remember some reference to the Devil Dogs of the Marine Corps, but that may have been yet another book. The incident occurred during the Christmas Truce in 1914.

Since the first reference I read of this incident, I have read similar accounts in about a dozen different sources. Each one, though slightly different, was essentially the same. Had I the forthought I would have written all these down somewhere as I am dying to find out more of this and if it is true or not. In the stories, I have seen reference to both sides of the fight being the one to start the incident. I'm sure the truth of who did is lost in history.

The event was best portrayed in a song by Garth Brooks that came out some years ago.

Belleau Wood
Written by: Garth Brooks, Joe Henry

Oh, the snowflakes fell in silence
Over Belleau Wood that night
For a Christmas truce had been declared
By both sides of the fight
As we lay there in our trenches
The silence broke in two
By a German soldier singing
A song that we all knew

Though I did not know the language
The song was "Silent Night"
Then I heard my buddy whisper,
"All is calm and all is bright"
Then the fear and doubt surrounded me
'Cause I'd die if I was wrong
But I stood up in my trench
And I began to sing along

Then across the frozen battlefield
Another's voice joined in
Until one by one each man became
A singer of the hymn

Then I thought that I was dreaming
For right there in my sight
Stood the German soldier
'Neath the falling flakes of white
And he raised his hand and smiled at me
As if he seemed to say
Here's hoping we both live
To see us find a better way

Then the devil's clock struck midnight
And the skies lit up again
And the battlefield where heaven stood
Was blown to hell again

But for just one fleeting moment
The answer seemed so clear
Heaven's not beyond the clouds
It's just beyond the fear

No, heaven's not beyond the clouds
It's for us to find it here

3 Comments
  • From:
    JustAnotherBeth (Legacy)
    On:
    Sun May 26 2002
    Hey momma.... now you had to go make me cry.. cause also what i need to a project to go looking for info on while I should be cleaning... also the party had to be moved back cause the bus is delayed if you cant make it tonight, we will probably have another one soon, but it looks like we are going for 2-2:30 central time. I will however, be on yahoo live and all that yadda yadda at 1 for the peeps I cant get the message to. stay cool you!!!!!
  • From:
    Melange (Legacy)
    On:
    Mon May 27 2002
    Hi, just catching up with diaries and hope all is well with you.
  • From:
    Salamander (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue May 28 2002
    It's based on a true story. There's a famous song about the incident too. If I get a chance, I'll do a little research for you.