![]() This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission. You can turn off the use of cookies at any time by changing your specific browser settings. This website does not share personal information with third-parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. 122 Wing singing Christmas carols by a Hawker Tempest in a dispersal at Volkel airfield (B80), Holland 1944 In the ward room that has been decorated with balloons and streamers, the First Lieutenant carves the joint during Christmas celebrations on board HMS WESTMINSTER at Rosyth Singing songs and carols were rituals of Christmas at war-a way to keep memories of Christmases at home alive. The Queen’s Regiment celebrate Christmas, 25 December 1943 Royal Artillery cooks preparing Christmas dinner near Geilenkirchen, Germany, 25 December 1944 Here, British troops celebrate Christmas cheer with the help of Italy’s fine wine offerings. 122 Wing’s airfield at Volkel, Holland, 13 December 1944ĭuring respites from fighting, there were a few chances to sample the local beverage. Catherine Street, Montreal, Canada, 1941 Christmas Eve in Stockholm, Sweden, 1941Ī Christmas party held at Admiralty House, London, 17 December 1942 Leading Aircraftman Fred Fazan dressed as Santa Claus hands out presents to Dutch children at No. Outside the main entrance to Selfridge’s department store on Oxford Street, representatives of the YMCA load the Christmas tree they have just purchased into their van Trooper Devereux, whose photograph can be seen on the Christmas tree, is serving in Italy and bought the tree as a present for 12 year old Jean under a YMCA scheme Jean Devereux cuts the cake in her house in Pinner, Middlesex, on Christmas Day 1944 Children visiting Santa Claus, Eaton’s department store, St. The following three images show how the YMCA’s program brought Christmas cheer to the Devereaux family in Middlesex, England in 1944. Rail and road transportation was largely used for the war effort, leaving little room for luxuries like Christmas trees.īritain had a program through the YMCA called “Gifts to Home League” whereby those serving abroad could purchase gifts and have them delivered. It is interesting to note that this Father Christmas is actually being played by a womanįather Christmas hands out toys and games, including a set of building bricks, to children at a home for evacuees in Henley-on-Thames, 1941Ĭhristmas trees were in short supply in Britain and America because the men who would normally cut them down were away at war. Father Christmas presents Winston Churchill Jr., the Prime Minister’s grandson, with a gift at a Christmas party at Admiralty House in London, 17 December 1942 Father Christmas lifts a young girl up to look at a toy soldier on a highly-decorated Christmas tree at a home for evacuees in Henley-on-Thames. Mothers dressed up as Santa for Christmas parties, and women served as substitute Santas at department stores. World War II Posters, US Office of War Informationįewer men at home meant fewer men available to dress up and play Santa Claus. Similar posters were issued in the United States. ![]() World War 2 poster issued by the National Savings Committee, London. The National Savings Committee in wartime Britain issued posters to encourage saving, discourage frivolous spending and promote investment in the war effort. Listen to Bing Crosby sing “I’ll be Home for Christmas” as you read along-a song that was originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmastime.
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