What is it? What was it used for? What might we be learning about today?

What is an ‘Evacuee’ ?

What were people in Great Britain scared of? In 1939, World War 2 began. Large cities being bombed by the enemy.

Children that lived in cities were in danger! So a plan was made to move them out of cities to the countryside where they would be safer.

This plan was called the ‘Evacuation’ and children who were moved were called ‘Evacuees’. The plan was called Operation Pied Piper. Why do you think it was called this?

On Friday 1 st September 1939, tens of thousands of children in towns and cities across the country went to school and met in the school playground.

What was it like to be an ‘Evacuee’ ? We’re going to go back in time to Friday 1 st September 1939…

Children under 5 were evacuated with their mothers. But if you were over 5, you were evacuated alone. If you were the oldest then you had to look after your brothers and sisters.

They were then taken to train stations. Here they were given a label to wear!

They did not know where they were going. They were put on a train or bus and went to the countryside.

Children were given a list of clothes to pack. They were also allowed to take one toy and some food for the journey.

Evacuees had to carry a gas mask in a bag or box at all times. What was it for?

Some children thought it was a big adventure. Others were frightened and wanted their Mums.

Once in the countryside the Evacuees would live with a new family they didn’t know!

In their new homes, children would write letters to send home.

1.5 million were evacuated in Many returned home after half a year, but…

They were evacuated again! By the end of the war, over 3 million were evacuated.

What would you take in your suitcase and why?