[LzyBns]

I saw a program awhile back, I think it was the History Channel. Towards the end of the show it made mention of a B-24 that delivered toys to the childern in Europe made by British children. The nose art was of a Christmas theme if my memory serves me right. Has anyone else heard or seen photos?.

[Warhawk]

Is this the story?

Liberty Run
Spreading Christmas cheer during war time:
The date was December 24th, 1944-Christmas Eve. The 453rd Bomb Group was playing host to more than 1,250 British children who ranged in age from four to fourteen-many orphaned by the London Blitz. Someone had the idea of making toys for the children of Paris, children who had never experienced the joy and excitement of a child's Christmas. The idea spread very quickly between the officers and airmen; even the neighboring children began donating their own toys or made new ones. Wooden toys, rag dolls, and thousands of Christmas cards were given with cheerful abandon to the young French allies.
Three hundred children were chosen by The American Red Cross to receive gifts on Christmas Day at the ARC Club at Rainbow Corner in Paris. The Group received special permission to fly the gifts to Paris. An all French-speaking crew was chosen to ferry them over the Channel. T/Sgt Reuben Brockway was selected to portray Santa Claus, uniform and all, but without the traditional big belly!
A B-24 replaced the traditional sleigh and reindeer. Base personnel contributed PX rations for stocking stuffers for the small guests. The Aero was transformed with an eclectic array of Christmas decorations made from whatever was available.
Soon, children began to arrive in GI trucks where they were grouped according to age. Those four to seven were entertained at the Aero Club where they received their toy and candy filled stockings. Santa served them ice cream and coca-cola to their heart's content. Those seven to eleven went to the flight line and were shown through the planes. Then came the big show.
The procession walked to an area where a huge platform had been erected alongside one of the giant airships. It was the un-named B-24 that was to carry the gifts so cheerfully donated to their little French friends. An 11 year-old orphan of the Blitz, Judith McDavid, christened the ship Liberty Run.

[Warhawk]

Found this on the web

Record #: "148"
"Blake, Sidney H. S/Sgt Serviced in 8th Army Air Corp. 2nd Air Division 453rd Bomb Group 735the Bomb Squadron Based @ "Old Buckingham" 7/44 - 5/45 Assigned "Top Turrent" Gunner B-24 Pilot - Capt. James Reidy Lead Crew for 25 Missions I am looking for a buddy of mine...in my crew Last name Brockway - Radio Operator Brockway was fluent with 5 differnet languages and during the Christmas of 1944 he was sent to Paris, France dressed as a Santa Claus to give out x-mas presents from England to the French Children. "
Submitted by: "Sid Blake"
"Monrovia", "Ca" "USA"
E-Mail Me
"05/31/99"

[LzyBns]

Thank You so much Warhawk, I looked everywhere for something about this. thanks again. Eddie

[Warhawk]

I would like to THANK YOU for bringing this topic up! I had not heard this story before you mentioned it and did some research I found that story on the web and I am going pass it along.

[Warhawk]

Check this out with credit to Jack Cook
http://warbirdinformationexchange.or...df701cbc0d1c21