How Evacuation affected Civilian Life
The government expected the Germans to bomb the UK's large industrial centres. They thought that children and mothers of young children would be safer in the country, away from the expected devastation in the cities. Nationwide, posters, leaflets and radio messages were issued trying to persuade parents to send their children away to the country. Buses and trains were prepared for the massive operation.
Some families made their own evacuation plans, sending children to friends and relatives. Some even sent them abroad to places like Australia and Canada.
Huge numbers of people were evacuated- nearly one and a half million in September 1939 only. Most of these were moved in just one weekend. The entire country's transport system was dedicated to evacuation for four days.
Many of the children were leaving home for the first time. It would have been very frightening to leave your home and family to go and live with people you did not know, in the countryside, for a long time.
Some families made their own evacuation plans, sending children to friends and relatives. Some even sent them abroad to places like Australia and Canada.
Huge numbers of people were evacuated- nearly one and a half million in September 1939 only. Most of these were moved in just one weekend. The entire country's transport system was dedicated to evacuation for four days.
Many of the children were leaving home for the first time. It would have been very frightening to leave your home and family to go and live with people you did not know, in the countryside, for a long time.
Image of evacuees
This is the iconic image of evacuees: tag with name and information; gas mask round the neck; small suitcase; wearing lots of clothes; and carrying a teddy bear.
Created by Jamie McMurtrie
2011 ©
2011 ©
