The first Christmas for the officers and crews of the new submarine chaser fleet was spent in home waters, as the boats were still in the process of being fitted, and the men still in the process of being trained.
In this notice dated 22 December, 1917, copy from SC 93, commanding officers of the chasers at New London were directed to "learn from the men in their crews, which and how many of the men would accept an invitation to take Christmas dinner in the homes of people who issue the invitations."
As they faced the prospect of heading overseas to enter the barrage lines, they would have no idea that by the following Christmas the Armistice would be signed, and they would be celebrating not just Christmas, but an end to the war. They wouldn't celebrate another Christmas at home until a full year later in 1919, as post-war duties kept them overseas, some until late in 1919.
And so for those who survived WWI, there would be three especially notable Christmases: readying for war, celebrating the Armistice, and returning home.
Merry Christmas!
--Todd Woofenden, editor.