The match commemorated the impromptu football games played between opposing troops on the Western Front in December 1914. The modern version took place in the run-up to Christmas at Aldershot Town Football Club’s home ground – the EBB Stadium.

It proved to be a memorable evening. Along with representatives from Driver Hire, watching from the terraces were World Cup winning hero Sir Bobby Charlton, Football Association Chairman Greg Dyke and General Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of the General Staff and President of the Army FA. Musical entertainment pre-match and at half time came from the Band of the Royal Logistics Corp.

In a thrilling match, where perhaps the result wasn’t the most important thing, the British Army squad came out 1-0 winners. Richard Owen-Hughes, Driver Hire Group Marketing Director, commented: “Driver Hire has worked with many people from the British Army Forces over the years. A number of our franchise owners are ex-services. So we’re thrilled to be one of the key sponsors of this event. It marks such a poignant moment in the First World War, a symbol of humanity on the battlefield, and a fitting commemoration to the men on both sides who spent Christmas 1914 in the trenches.”

Published: 23 January 2015

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