Some years ago when the Sarajevo airlift was on, a number of crews were delayed at Wildenrath waiting for a weather clearance in the December murk in Bosnia. The Christmas fair was on and all the usual celebrations were on in the town. All of this seasonal goodwill and snowy surroundings was silently observed by thirty or more Ascoteers sipping their coffee or apfelsaft in roadside hostelries. The more the band oompahed the more glum the boys looked. After what seemed an age the Detco was espied approaching the festivities and we all watched him as he made his way into the square amongst us all. He took a deep breath and in his unmistakeable Rhodesian accent bellowed. "Black flag! 24 hour delay on everything. Bar's open!"
There followed some very serious catching up in the bier tent.
I do recall waking up with a Christmas tree in my room, with lights!