Evacuation
Why were children evacuated?
During the war people expected cities to be bombed, as enemy planes tried to destroy factories. But bombs would hit homes and schools too, so children would be in danger. Children were evacuated in an attempt to protect them from air raids. About 800,000 children left their homes. Some of these children returned home after a few weeks. Others stayed in the countryside for the rest of the war. Where did the children go? Children were sent from cities to places where there was less risk of air raids. Evacuees went to live with host families. Their new homes were called 'billets'. 'Billeting officers' arranged for people to look after the children. 'Pick your own evacuee' sessions were help in the villages halls where the host families would come and pick which children they wanted to look after. How did evacuees travel? An evacuation journey often began with a walk to school. Then it was off in buses to the station, where special trains were waiting. Every evacuee had a gas mask, food for the journey (such as sandwiches, apples, chocolate) and a small bag for washing things and clothes. Pinned to the children's coats were labels. On the label were each child's name, home address, school and where he or she was going. Life for evacuees. Lots of children became very homesick and frightened but many enjoyed the country. Country life was full of surprises. Some city children had never seen a cow, and were shocked to see where milk came from! |
Click on the yellow text bellow to listen to some fun facts all about evacuation!
|
Now that you have found out some facts about evacuation during World War Two, test yourself with the quiz below and see if you can help children escape from the Blitz!