SOMERSET, England – Military helicopters traded combat missions for Christmas cheer as Royal Navy and Army Air Corps crews mounted special sorties to deliver Father Christmas to schools across Somerset and Dorset last week, The Telegraph reported Sunday.
The “Santa Drop” operation deployed Wildcat helicopters from 815 and 825 Naval Air Squadrons, a Wildcat from 1 Army Air Corps, and a Commando Merlin from 846 Naval Air Squadron, all based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.
Schools Receive Festive Visits
Chard Prep School in Somerset was among the schools visited, with a spokesman saying the special sorties had brought “Christmas excitement.”
“The flying crew from RNAS Yeovilton brought Santa in a Merlin helicopter, creating an unforgettable moment for the children,” he added. “A big thank you to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton and Holyrood Academy for the use of their fields.”
Dave Gordon, headmaster of Countess Gytha Primary School in Queen Camel, Somerset, said: “The children were delighted to watch Father Christmas touch down with the help of Yeovilton’s 846 Naval Air Squadron this year. We value our strong links with the base and appreciate their support in providing special opportunities to our children in this way.”
All Saints Church School in Montacute, Somerset, expressed gratitude for the visit: “Thanks to the incredible support and festive spirit of the Royal Navy and RNAS Yeovilton, Father Christmas was delivered straight to our village primary school, bringing magic, excitement and big smiles to all our children. We are so grateful for this unforgettable visit – what a wonderful way to sprinkle some Christmas joy across our school.”
Community Outreach Mission
Cmdr Sammy Haynes of 825 Naval Air Squadron said the operation serves dual purposes: “Bringing Santa into local schools in a Wildcat helicopter not only allows 825 Naval Air Squadron share some Christmas magic, but it also helps us maintain our strong links with our community.
“My team enjoy the challenge and teamwork of visiting lots of different schools, and the reward is seeing the excitement on the children’s faces.”
The Santa Drop operations have become an annual tradition for RNAS Yeovilton, with military personnel dressed as Father Christmas and his elves delivering presents and collecting Christmas letters from pupils across the region.
