The author went to a junk shop in Bridport. He noticed a roll-top desk. It was very old and made of oak. It was in a bad condition. It had burn-marks down one side. Since it was cheap, the author decided to buy it and get it repaired. He began working on it on Christmas Eve. He removed the roll-top. It had suffered much damage due to fire and water. He pulled out the upper drawers. The one at the bottom was jammed. He hit it hard with his first and pulled it out. He found a secret drawer underneath and wherein he found a small black tin box.
There was a note on it that said: “Jim’s last letter, received January 25, 1915.” The writer of the note also wished to bury the box in her grave. Out of curiosity, he opened the box. Inside it he found an envelope with the address: “Mrs Jim last letter, received January 25. 1915.” The writer of the note also wished to bury the box In her grave. Out of curiosity, he opened the box. Inside it he found an envelope with the address: “Mrs Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport. Dorset.”
The letter was dated Dec. 26. 1914. The letter had been written by Jim to his wife Connie. He was a soldier, set against the Germans during the First World War. Jim wrote to her that he was very happy because something wonderful had happened. The soldiers on both sides of the no man’s land were In their trenches.
It was Christmas morning, cold and frosty Jimletter, received January 25. 1915.” The writer of the note also wished to bury the box In her grave. Out of curiosity, he opened the box. Inside it, he found an envelope with the address: “Mrs Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport. Dorset.” The letter was dated Dec. 26. 1914. The letter had been written by Jim to his wife Connie. He was a soldier, set against the Germans during the First World War. Jim wrote to her that he was very happy because something wonderful had happened.
The soldiers on both sides of the no man’s land were In their trenches. It was Christmas morning, cold and frosty Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches, Bridport, Dorset.” The letter was dated Dec. 26, 1914. The letter had been written by Jim to his wife Connie. He was a soldier, set against the Germans during the First World War. Jim wrote to her that he was very happy because something wonderful had happened. The soldiers on both sides of the no man’s land were in their trenches. It was Christmas morning, cold and frosty.
Jim saw the German soldiers waving a white flag. They were calling out the English soldiers to say Happy Christmas. It was a big surprise to be greeted like friends by the enemies. But it was true, not a trick. The English soldiers also wished them in return. One of the German soldiers proposed to celebrate the festival. Jim was the officer in command. He allowed his men to join the Germans.
Grey coats and khaki coats mingled in the middle. In the time of war, they were making peace. The name of the German officer in command was Hans Wolf. Before joining the army he played the cello in an orchestra. Jim had been a school teacher in Dorset. Hans said that he knew Dorset well. In fact, he had read about that place in Hardy’s novel, Ear from the Madding Crowd.
The soldiers from the rival camps smoked, laughed, drank and feasted. Hans said that he liked the marzipan, the sweet covering on Jim’s bread. Jim wrote in the letter, that he had never seen or imagined a Christmas Party like that. They played football /also. Both agreed on one point. The countries should have better resolved their disputes by playing a football or cricket match because no one dies In a match whereas war leaves behind orphans and widows.
The game was finished, so did the drinks and cakes. Jim told Hans that they hoped to see families as soon as the fighting ended by Christmas next year. The author put the letter back into the envelope and drove Into Bridport. He just wanted to hand over the letter to Connie (Mrs Macpherson). Connie was now 101 years old. Her house had caught fire, but she was saved.
She was In the conservatory of a nursing home. The author wished her ‘Happy Christmas’ and gave the letter to her. She recognised the writing of her husband and felt very happy. She mistook the author for Jim who had come home, as promised on Christmas. She kissed the author on the cheek and asked him to read the letter to her. She wanted to listen to the voice of her husband. She said that he (Jim) himself was the best Christmas present to her.
