Military voices join battle for Christmas number one

1914 The Carol of Christmas

One hundred years on from the first Christmas in the trenches of the Great War, military voices are again raised in harmony for a moving song of tribute to bravery and sacrifice.

The song, simply titled ‘1914 - The Carol of Christmas’ celebrates the power of Christmas to bring peace in the midst of war and commemorates those who fought in World War One. Available for purchase on 30 November, the song is already climbing sales charts based on pre-orders.

‘1914 – The Carol of Christmas’ is sung by an ensemble of military voices and soloists including Flight Lieutenant Matt Little, Abby Scott and twelve-year-old Canterbury Cathedral chorister and BBC Radio 2’s Young Chorister of the Year Finalist William Inscoe who are accompanied by the Spitfire Choir, one of the RAF’s top vocal groups.

Composed by Chris Eaton, (who wrote the 1990’s Number One Christmas hit ‘Saviour’s Day’) and Judd Field, ‘1914- The Carol of Christmas’ is raising money for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and ABF The Soldier’s Charity. These charities assisted the veterans throughout the last century and continue to support both serving and former soldiers, sailors, airmen and their families.

The video for the song was filmed at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey and contains original footage from WW1. In addition to the soloists and choir, the video features the Royal Marines Corps of Drums and representatives from the Sea Cadets, the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps.

Composer Chris Eaton said: "My hope and prayer is that my song '1914 - The Carol of Christmas' will move and inspire all generations as they listen, to remember with honour and respect those, past and present, engaged in war, and be filled with hope for everlasting peace through the message of Christmas."

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Controller Air Marshal Chris Nickols said: “The RAF Benevolent Fund, along with The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, are delighted to work together on this incredible song. The First World War changed the lives of millions in Britain; almost every village lost young men and many of those that returned bore mental or physical scars from their service. Simply downloading this song is a wonderful way of honouring those who served in the Great War and supporting today’s veterans and military personnel.”