Photo by Royal Air Force official photographer Clark N S (P/O) via IWM CL 1729, Colorised by Pink
Santa Claus (Leading Aircraftman Fred Fazan from London) hands out presents to Dutch children at Volkel, 13 December 1944– some 72 years ago today.
This is Hawker Tempest Mk.V W2-A (NV700) based at B.70 Volkel Air Base near Uden, Netherlands.
Members of No. 122 Wing had saved their sweet ration for weeks, and contributed enough money to give the children their first proper Christmas party. It was noted by the photographer that this year Santa was afraid of Messerschmidts, so he decided to come by RAF Tempest.
Also, the more things change…
MERIDIAN, Miss. (Dec. 4, 2016) Santa Claus and an elf get out of a T-45C Goshawk during a visit to Training Air Wing One for a children’s Christmas party. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Damon Slutz/Released) 161204-N-N0101-001
