The Spy Who ENCORE - The Spy Who (UK) | The Spy Who Gave London its Christmas Tree | 1
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Dec 23, 2025 Discover how wartime espionage led to London's iconic Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. Ian Fleming, author of 007, plays a key role in this festive tradition that began with a secret mission to Norway. The story unfolds with commandos hiding in a mailboat and cutting down trees under German patrols. Remembering their homeland, the sailors aim to boost morale, leading to a spontaneous tree lighting that touches an exiled king. This act of goodwill evolves into a beloved annual custom, turning a gift into a enduring tribute.
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Sailors Smuggle Christmas Trees Home
- Mons Klüben and Norwegian sailors covertly returned to occupied Norway to cut down Christmas trees during a reconnaissance mission.
- They planned to gift one tree to King Håkon VII and another for their mess hall to boost morale.
Mailboat Skipper Risks Life For Resistance
- A local Norwegian mailboat skipper agreed to hide two commandos in his icebox and ferry them past German patrols to gather intelligence.
- He accepted the mortal risk, saying he remained because he was 'not afraid' to live under occupation.
Danger Forces Abort And Swift Retreat
- The crew narrowly escaped a German patrol while transporting the trees and aborting a planned attack on an engine factory.
- Lieutenant Burgobag prioritized the mission and ordered a rapid retreat when spotted to protect intelligence and lives.