I think the tune to the song is McCutcheons, but the instrumental break (a viola?) is the Irish tune & song
"The Minstrel Boy"

To that part you can sing:

"The minstrel boy to the wars has gone
In the halls of death you'll find him
His father's sword he has girded on
And his great harp strung (swung? hung?) behind him"

Christmas in the Trenches is one of those songs that has gotten around a lot without credit to the author--he may be a big star to us folkies but most people will never hear of him! I've heard an Irish band who should know better attribute it to "Francis Tolliver"!

While a lot of Canadians think John McDermott wrote it, or that it's an old song.

I guess that proves its quality, but I find I'm a bit annoyed at performers who sing it every night without crediting the writer.

As for the original incident, no doubt its significant that it happened in 1914, a time of relative innocence when they thought the war with Germany would be over in a few months. If only!
Bill


Bill