German Luftwaffe soldiers celebrating christmas (early war).

Christmas

An A4 rocket (more commonly known as V2, or Vergeltungswaffe 2) preparing for launch in Peenemuende, North Germany. &lt;br&gt;
The V2s were most commonly aimed at London and Antwerp, the Allies most important port during the Battle of France and the Bulge.&lt;br&gt;
V2s were the first human made missile that reached orbit, and modified V2s were the basis of both the space program of the USSR and the USA. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;
As opposed to V1, V2s traveled at supersonic speeds, and the explosion usually occured before any kind of engine noise could be heard, having a severe psychological impact.
(Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1978-Anh.026-01)