Christmas 1914: 'Santa Claus Ship' Arrives In Britain

In 1914, the 'Santa Claus' ship USS Jason arrived in England packed with five million gifts for children in Europe.

USS Jason docked at Devonport just over a century ago to deliver presents to youngsters whose fathers had been either killed or wounded in the First World War.

The cargo ship, designed to carry coal to fuel navy warships, had been involved in another humanitarian mission earlier in the year, when she helped to transport refugees from Mexico to safety in Louisiana. 

She went on to have a long career, not being decommissioned until 1932, and then entering merchant service for a number of years.

Back in the USA, an appeal had been made urging people to donate Christmas presents for the children of Europe.

The message for the Americans was: 

“You can stretch out your hands, across the sea bearing messages of love and hope and sympathy to the children of a war ridden continent - messages from fortunate America to unfortunate Europe.”

The generous American public responded by donating 12,000 tons of gifts, including toys, clothes and boots.

The presents were then distributed to children across the UK in time for Christmas by a military charity which still operates to this day, SSAFA.

It's important to note that the project was strictly neutral, with German children also receiving gifts donated in America.