Two holidaymakers amuse themselves with a porter's trolley whilst waiting for their train at Euston Station, London, 5th August 1939. (Photo by A. J. O'Brien/Fox Photos/Getty Images)

A high-kicking Parisian can-can dancer. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). 1895

Father Christmas reading with three young children. (Photo by Spencer Arnold/Getty Images). Circa 1915

Father Christmas hands out presents to children at the Aid And Adoption Society home at Leytonstone. (Photo by Gerry Cranham/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 7th December 1938

A French Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet takes off during the close air support (CAS) exercise Serpentex 2016 hosted by France in the Mediterranean island of Corsica, at Solenzara air base, March 17, 2016. Serpentex is an annual exercise that involves joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) from 12 countries from March 7 to March 25, 2016. (Photo by Charles Platiau/Reuters)

Farmers use tractors and burn tires, hay and manure as they block the highway between Morlaix and Brest during a demonstration against the market prices of their product, on July 22, 2015 in Morlaix, western of France. French farmers protesting over falling food prices threatened to step up blockades of cities, roads and tourist sites, as the government prepared to unveil emergency aid for them. Farmers have dumped manure in cities, blocked access roads and motorways and hindered tourists from reaching Mont St-Michel in northern France, one of France's most visited sites. (Photo by Fred Tanneau/AFP Photo)

Members of the French Foreign Legion arriving in Paris for a Bastille Day parade. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). July 13th 1939

The expertly colourised shots were brought to life by French bank technician, Frédéric Duriez (51). The images were provided by the Valois collection which belongs to the BDIC. “By colourising these photos, I reduce the time that separates us today from this conflict”, said Frédéric. Here: Car cannon sections in firing position, Auxi-le-Château. (Photo by Frédéric Duriez/BDIC/Mediadrumworld.com)