From The Great Escape to Elf: Military chiefs share their favourite Christmas films
Christmas Day doesn't come with many rules but, for some, sitting down with a familiar film is non-negotiable.
Even at the very top of the Armed Forces, festive viewing habits are alive and well, ranging from prison camp breakouts to animated Father Christmases and the occasional debate about whether Die Hard really counts as a Christmas film.
This Christmas, BFBS Forces News asked the UK's most senior military figures which films they return to during the festive season and why those choices still matter to them.
For General Sir Roly Walker, the answer lies in a wartime classic. The Great Escape, he said, praising its soundtrack and the determination at the heart of the story.
Asked for his favourite moment, he pointed to the film's "iconic moment", when Steve McQueen appears to leap a motorcycle across a fence, a scene that has gone down in cinema history.
Although, in a bit of Christmas trivia, the jump itself was actually performed by McQueen's friend and expert stuntman Bud Ekins.
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton went for something more modern and personal, choosing Arthur Christmas.
For him, the film is closely tied to family memories, watching it with his younger daughter when she was about eight or nine, just a few days before Christmas.
"Which was very special. Special moment for me," he said.
Chair of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth said his festive tastes cover "the full spectrum".
From Die Hard, which he firmly counts as a Christmas film, to Elf, his picks reflect a household happy to mix action with comedy.
A self-confessed Will Ferrell fan, he said Elf remains a big favourite in his family.
For First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the choice was immediate.
Home Alone takes top spot.
"I think I grew up in an age where Home Alone featured a lot. I love the music. I love the message behind the story," Gen Sir Gwyn said.
Join Our Newsletter
