Day of peace in world gone mad

IN the early months of World War 1, three myths arose. The first was that burly Cossacks sent by the Czar to help the Allies on the western front were seen embarking from British railway stations for Dover bound for France.

The second myth came about in France. During the British retreat from Mons, angels were reportedly seen in the sky protecting the retreat.

Finally, to the dismay of the British generals along the frontline in December 1914, British and German soldiers laid down their arms and celebrated Christmas together in a spontaneous gesture of peace. Only one of these myths - the last - was true.