Post on 09-Mar-2016
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Created by: Siobhan C, Gabriel B , Michayle P, Samuel F.
A closer look at the life of a child growing up in Britain during World War 2...
As enemy planes tried to destroy factories, the people of cities expected their cities to be
destroyed by dropping bomb. There were many children in danger because bombs were
dropped on homes and schools. The children were in the process of being evacuated. During
war the mothers of the children were allowed to go with. They were evacuated to protect
them from air raids.
This was all put into action in September 1939. An estimate of 800,000 children left their
homes. After a few weeks many children returned home. Some of the children stayed in the
countryside until the war was declared over.
Parents with enough money made their own arrangements. 1.9 million children who
gathered at the railway stations in early September had no idea where they were going to
stay during the time of the war. They may have been split from their siblings. The children
that attended private schools were entitled to live in big houses near private schools.
During the war the women had to work in factories to make materials for the men
fighting in the war. 7500 women joined Land Army in Britain to help grow more
food. In 1941 women between the age of 19-30 had to register for war work. The
jobs were secretaries, drivers, cooks and mechanics.
The children had to leave their parents and go to the country side to be away from
the bombing and the war. Most the children were separated from their siblings and
they stayed up country for quite a while. Life was difficult during World War 2.
The children had to attend school with a gas mask, a packed lunch, a change of clothes
and basic toilet necessities. They were given identity tags, it was especially important for
the younger children who don't know where they are from. The children were put on trains
and buses with teachers to be transported to their reception areas.
The South coast of England from the London area had to be relocated when the area
suffered attacks during the Summer of 1940. Children were evacuated without their
parents. The trips were as long as 12 hours, most children were exhausted.
They were taught how to use a gas mask and when to use a gas mask. In the beginning
of the war schooling was postponed because of all the moving around.
Children brought up during World War 2 had never tasted a banana or an
orange before. Everyone was told to grow their own food during this period of
time. During World War 2 people drank coffee made from acorns.
A day’s food supply was 2 slices of bread, 2 potatoes and half a sugar beet.
This was given to them each day. Some people even ate tulip bulbs.