In the image of Santa Claus were united the features of Saint Nicholas, Christian bishop, who lived in the eastern part of the Roman Empire in the IV century, his Dutch incarnation Sinterklaas, English Father Christmas, Deutsch Christkind, three Wise Men with gifts, and Italian Befana. For centuries these characters were pleasing children in different countries and bringing presents on holidays for those, who were well behaved.
In the years of World War II many families have been separated, material conditions of people became much worse. At this time, celebrating Christmas, a traditionally happy family holiday, got a sad connotation. Nevertheless, Santa Claus did not resign, but continued his good deeds in new challenging circumstances, on the fronts and behind the lines.
Today we offer you to learn more about Santa Claus and his assistants’ daily grind in the armies and behind the lines of the Allies.
Père Noël, the French «brother» of Santa Claus is presenting Christmas gifts to soldiers in December 1939
Santa Claus on the army SUV Willys delivered the Christmas tree and presents to the American army Lee Camp. Virginia, December 1941
There were not many men who stayed behind the lines during the war, and sometimes women had to enter Santa’s role. The house of evacuated children, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England. December 1941
Santa Claus is giving the gift and congratulations to Adolf Hitler in advance on the board of «Flying Fortress», a bomber B-17. November 1942
A group of American servicemen surrounded Santa Claus during Christmas celebrating on the island Guadalcanal. The inscription on the poster says: «Merry Christmas, Guadalcanal! To hell Tojo (at the time Prime Minister of Japan and minister of the Japanese army). Solomon Islands, December 25th, 1942
Santa Claus on the American fighter Bell P-39 Airacobra before its hit to the road within the lend-lease agreement from Canadian Edmonton in the USSR under the North-West route and track «Alaska – Siberia»
Santa Claus is visiting the injured on the Guadalcanal, December 1942
Mr. Bell, Petty Officer of the Royal Navy and one of the Santa-Claus’ elves,is making Christmas presents
Santa Claus (Sergeant Hiram Prouty, 175th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army) is using Medium Tank M3 as a reindeer. Perham Down, England, December 1942
Santa Claus (Lieutenant Ian Maclean) on the tank «Ram» of the Canadian Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment. Highcliffe, south coast of England, Christmas of 1943
Santa Claus is visiting the injured in the American field hospital on the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean. December 25th, 1943
Santa Claus is passing the inspection at the checkpoint of the Oak-Ridge National Laboratory, where American scientists were working under the creation of nuclear weapons within the Manhattan Project. The State of Tennessee, USA, December 1944
Santa Claus, surrounded by the crew of USS aircraft carrier Lexington, December 1944. This ship of Essex class during the lay down received the name Cabot but was renamed in honor of another aircraft carrier Lexington, which was drowned by Japanese in the March of 1942 in the Coral Sea
Santa Claus (the same person – Saint Nicholas) performed by Dick Brookins, the Corporal of the 28th Infantry division in the recently liberated Luxembourg. Brookins was portraying Santa Claus on the performances for children wearing a costume, which was borrowed from the local catholic priest. December 1944
Santa Claus (a private of Royal Air Force Fred Fazan) is giving presents to Dutch children on the Volkel Air Base. North Brabant, Netherlands, December 13th, 1944
Santa Claus (the Captain of American medical corps Stillerman) is visiting the Italian girl, who has blown up in a mine. Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy. December 23rd, 1944
Santa Claus is giving presents to children of Australians, who died during World War II. Perth, Western Australia, December 15th, 1945