For most of us this was to be the last Christmas before return to the UK and demobilisation, so we can be excused for celebrating it as a very special event.

The first photograph shows the airman's mess laid out ready for the traditional Christmas dinner, served by the officers. What we cannot see is the 'erk' who decided to ride into the Mess on the back of a camel. We don't know who he was and regrettably there is no photographic record, but he failed to allow for the fact that the camel's hump only just cleared the doorway and, in consequence, had to use the ejector seat!

XMAS MENU

Breakfast

(7.30 hrs to 08.30 hrs)

Grape fruit, Post Toasties
Grilled Bacon, Sausage, Fried Tomatoes, Fried Egg
Coffee, Tea, Rolls, Butter, Marmalade

Dinner

Cream of Tomato Soup

Roast Turkey, Roast Pork, Chipaule of Sausage
Bread Sauce, Apple Sauce
Sage and Onion Stuffing, Roast and Creamed Potatoes
Green Peas, Cauliflower, Gravy

Christmas Pudding, Brandy Sauce, Cheese, Biscuits, Coffee, Fruit, Nuts, Sweets, Cigarettes, Beer, Minerals