EXCHANGE OF GIFTS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 100, 22 January 1936, Page 20

EXCHANGE OF GIFTS

Wartime Incident Recalled

KING’S INTEREST

Interest shown by King George in a pipe presented by a German to a British soldier during the fraternisation between the troops on Christmas Day, 1914, has resulted in the identity of the owner of the pipe being established. Herr Keil was one of the first Germans to shake hands with a soldier who was earlier a target for his rifle. Neither could speak the other’s language, but the Englishman offered Herr Keil his tobacco-pouch. Herr Keil had that morning received a parcel from his home in Leipzig which contained, among other Christmas presents, a new pipe. He took the pipe from his pocket and asked the Englishman to accept it with Christmas greetings. The recipient of the pipe was a sergeant in the Scots Guards. The pipe was ultimately shown at an exhibition held in London to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the formation of the -Scots Guards. The King, visiting the exhibition, picked up the pipe and asked lor its history. When told the story he inquired what had happened to the German soldier, but no one knew. The incident was related in a German paper, which was read by Herr Keil, and he has now written to the British Legion enclosing his photograph, and asking to be put in touch with the sergeant to whom he gave the pipe.