During the Second World War children had to grow up fast!
On the 1st of September 1939 (two days before the War) the British evacuation began (Evacuation means leaving a place.) During the Second World War, many children living in big cities and towns were moved briefly from their homes to places thought to be safer, usually out in the countryside. The picture above shows children leaving Liverpool train station.
Boys and girls were only allowed to carry three things;
A suitcase with a few things in,
A gas mask
An identity card. (Like a passport)
This was a scary time for a lot of children, they were sent on trains to places they had never been before, to stay with people they had never met. Many did not know what to do once they got off the train or even if they would stay with their brothers and sisters!
However not all of the children went, as the attacks didn't happen right away some were brought back to the city. Schools were closed and parents were away working and many found that there was nowhere to go during the day; children had to take care of themselves. When children still went to school, they had to take gas and practice their bomb drills. Brightly coloured gas masks were made to make them more likeable to children.
The Germans used submarines (under water ships) to try and cut off the food supply into Britain by attacking the boats that had food and other goods! People started to worry that they would run out of food so the government (people in charge) introduced rationing; this meant that everyone got the same small amount of food every week, everything from sweets, meat, flour, butter, jam, tea and even breakfast cereal was rationed!
And as if little food wasn't enough, there was the threat of air raids. Everyone had to cover their windows and doors before sunset so the enemy aircraft didn't spot them also think of spending the night out in the garden inside your little shelter all because the German planes could bomb houses!
The Second World War has a horrid time. For almost 6 years Britain fought in the toughest war ever and at the end of it what happened?
8 May 1945 - Winston Churchill (the Prime Minister) announced VE Day (Victory in Europe.) This day marks the end of the War in Europe Street parties were held all over Britain to celebrate the end of the war.
This is an original news article © The Kids Window
Take a look at our kids historical dressing up clothes inside.
| Products available to buy at the Kids Window |
|
|
|
|
