Stefan Westmann (pictured) was a German soldier in WWI. I heard his story on BBC Radio 4 of how he was confronted by a French soldier. Both had rifles with bayonets and, given no time to think, he stabbed the Frenchman and killed him. Afterwards he suffered great remorse as he realised the man must, like him, have family and friends. He was also upset by how easily his fellow soldiers could kill, sometimes in horrific ways.

I found his story very moving and later found it on www.telegraph.co.uk. Then I wrote this song telling the story.

Two soldiers met in no-man’s land – they were from opposing sides

Though they’d not been in battle long – twas now they must decide,

Could they follow orders and stick their bayonets in?

Kill a fellow human though it was a mortal sin?

Now had those soldiers met before, maybe in peaceful times,

They could have been the best of friends, away from battle lines.

But now it was their duty to take all foreign life,

Never mind their families, their girlfriend or their wife.

Both soldiers knew what they must do and aim straight for the heart.

No time for rules of conduct – till one of them depart.

One thousand years of culture and of civilised debate,

Trampled in a muddy field – just numbers on a slate.

One soldier he was quicker there upon that day,

Maybe just a lucky break – could’ve gone the other way.

And as he pulled his bayonet out, he caught the dead man’s eye.

Oh brother pray forgive me – it was either you or I.

Two soldiers met in no-man’s land – they were from opposing sides.

Though they’d not been in battle long – twas now they must decide.

But the one who lived to tell the tale was haunted ever more,

Seems like both those soldiers were victims of the war.