US troops treated Eileen and Ronald

A heartwarming story emerged from RAF Barkston Heath in 1944 when American troops  adopted two local children as part of the War Orphans' Fund.

One payday in August saw enlisted men of the 14th Troop Carrier Squadron donate £100. Officers doubled that amount. 

It was double what every other Squadron raised, and, as a result two children were chosen to visit to the airfield – Eileen and Ronald, aged 8 and ten.

They were treated to a tour of the base and the next day met all the men and collected candy and sweets.

As this was Eileen’s birthday she did extra well and her handbag was weighed down with birthday money and sweets.  She and Ronald dined at the Enlisted Men's mess with a huge cake laid out in Eileen's honour.

They were also special guests on a neighbouring farm and posed for photographs  - including for American Pathé News 

Ronald was made an honorary Captain in the Army Air Force and was the only soldier on the base to monkey with the Colonel's shoulder eagles and not be reprimanded!

The War Orphans' Fund was created to support and raise needy children and orphans.