The Differing Reactions of People in Britain to the Policy of Evacuating Children in World War II

The Differing Reactions of People in Britain to the Policy of Evacuating Children in World War II

It became apparent that in the 1930’s, air raids had become a more

dominant spectre in the minds of both the government and the public.

The widespread fear of mass German bombing since September 1939 had

destroyed morale, as well as many families. Therefore, the British

government planned for the evacuation of civilians from the more

probable target areas of Britain, in an attempt to save them.

The country had been divided into zones classified as either

‘evacuation’, ‘neutral’ or ‘reception’. This allowed priority evacuees

to be moved from major urban areas to those more rural. However, as

lists of the available housing in the ‘reception’ areas were compiled,

an error was found in that there was not enough housing for everyone.

Therefore, the government had to also construct temporary camps. Many

people were also sent abroad, as it was considered safer for them, to

places as far as ‘Canada and America‘. Nevertheless, the government

began posting letters to those households seen in the greatest danger.

Officially being evacuated were children of school age, mothers

accompanying young children, pregnant women, disabled people and

teachers. However, other prominent groups were also evacuated such as

civil servants, art treasures, the Bank of England and the BBC, as a

few examples. Although evacuation was steady initially, many people

returned home during the period of the Phoney War, only to be sent

back when the Blitz actually began, in a second evacuation effort.

Within a few days of the beginning of evacuation, operation codenamed

‘P...

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...nce. However, for other parents, seeing their

children again may have confirmed their worst fears, as they came back

miserable and brandished by their time as an evacuee. Also, there were

many parents who never saw their children again. Although they had

been evacuated, no official records were kept and therefore, many

children were not brought back home.

Many others involved in the scheme of evacuation were also greatly

affected. Those who stayed closely with the children, for example

teachers, would have seen the pain of the children without their

parents. This may have led them to change their views on the policy.

Whilst, those who cared for the children would have only truly

understood its effects on their lives once the war was over, when even

those who may not have appeared to enjoy it realise what they’d lost.