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.