As Christmas draws nearer and families across the country prepare to be reunited over turkey and tinsel, spare a thought for those whose relatives are in active service and unable to return home for the festivities.

To raise awareness of the issue and bring some Yuletide warmth to sailors and their families, Wood’s 100 Old Navy Rum has curated the Christmas at Sea Vintage Photo Gallery – contributed to from naval personnel past and present.

Comprising celebratory snaps from the Sixties alongside more poignant images during wartime – the collection highlights life on board ship during the Christmas period. Wood’s 100 partnered with Navy News and historical archive blog How To Be A Retronaut to source the images.

Some of the images showcase the popular tradition of making the youngest member on board the captain for the day while others reveal the contrast between the raucous festivities and the more formal celebrations of times gone by.