Christmas truces break out on World War I Western Front as British and German soldiers unite 110 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 24 1914)

1910s, Christmas, World War I


Video: 'The Great War episode 2 Stalemate' (Dec. 24, 1914, at 50:10)

(Thursday, December 24, 1914, Christmas Eve; on the Western Front of the First World War) — Impromptu Christmas truces began to take hold along parts of the Western Front today between British and German soldiers who, in some cases, exchanged gifts and even played soccer with each other. Continue reading Christmas truces break out on World War I Western Front as British and German soldiers unite 110 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 24 1914) →

‘Don’t Fence Me In’ by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters peaks at #1 in USA 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 23 1944)

1940s, Popular Music 1940s

(Saturday, December 23, 1944) — “Don’t Fence Me In” by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters with Vic Schoen And His Orchestra peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Best Selling Retail Records chart for eight consecutive weeks (Dec. 23/30, 1944, Jan. 6/13/20/27, Feb. 3, 1945). Continue reading ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters peaks at #1 in USA 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 23 1944) →

‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by Band Aid debuts at #65 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 22 1984)

1980s, Christmas, Popular Music 1980s, The Beatles 1980s

(Saturday, December 22, 1984) — “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid, a supergroup assembled by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure consisting of popular British and Irish musical acts in order to raise money for relief of the 1983–85 famine in Ethiopia, debuted at #65 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Continue reading ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by Band Aid debuts at #65 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 22 1984) →

‘NUTS!’ U.S. Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe defies German surrender demand with iconic reply in World War II Battle of the Bulge 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 22 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Telling the German Command to go to Hell! WWII: Hero’s'

(Friday, December 22, 1944, 11:30 a.m. local time; during the Battle of the Bulge on the Western Front of World War II) — U.S. Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe today rejected a German demand for surrender, writing “Nuts!” in his official reply. Continue reading ‘NUTS!’ U.S. Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe defies German surrender demand with iconic reply in World War II Battle of the Bulge 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 22 1944) →

‘Mine for Me’ by Rod Stewart peaks at #91 in USA 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 21 1974)

1970s, Popular Music 1970s, The Beatles 1970s

(Saturday, December 21, 1974) — “Mine for Me” by Rod Stewart (written by ex-Beatle Paul McCartney) peaked at #91 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Mine for Me’ by Rod Stewart peaks at #91 in USA 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 21 1974) →

Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman capture Savannah in historic Civil War ‘March to the Sea’ 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 21 1864)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Blood and Glory: The Civil War in Color: Sherman's March to Savannah | History'

(Wednesday, December 21, 1864; during the American Civil War) — Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman today concluded their 37-day “March to the Sea,” which had begun in Atlanta on Nov. 15, 1864, and ended with the capture of Savannah, Georgia. Continue reading Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman capture Savannah in historic Civil War ‘March to the Sea’ 160 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 21 1864) →