A Day of Surprises: Henry Williamson’s account of the Christmas Truce

The Christmas Truce portrayed rather romantically by the Illustrated London News in January 1915On Boxing Day 1914, Pte. 9689 of the London Rifle Brigade, wrote to his mother Mrs Williamson at 'Eastern Road, Brockley, S.E.' :"Dear Mother, I am writing from the trenches. It is 11 o'clock in the morning. Beside me is a coke ...

‘Gentle Courage’: Gertrude Eliza Williamson

The grave of Gertrude Eliza Williamson lies in the Ladywell section of the Brockley & Ladywell cemeteries. It is a simple grave which many people will have walked past without a second glance and the faded inscription on the headstone gives little away. The words 'my dear wife' indicate that Gertrude was married, but her ...