To learn why thousands of children were sent
away from their families.
To investigate what it was like to be a World
War II evacuee.
To find out how photographs can be used to
influence people’s point of view.
When World War II began in September 1939,
thousands of children and women were evacuated
from cities into ‘reception areas’ in the countryside.
Can you guess why?
These
children
are being
evacuated
from
London.
What is the girl (cente) carrying in the square cardboard box?
Why do you think they are wearing labels?
What else do you think they are carrying?
The document below was sent out to parents to tell them what
evacuees should take with them.
How does your list compare?
GOVERNMENT EVACUATION SCHEME
BOY
GIRL
2 vests
2 vests
2 under pants
2 knickers
2 shirts
2 liberty bodices
2 pyjamas or night shirts
2 nightdresses or pyjamas
2 pairs socks
2 pairs socks or stockings
2 pairs boots or shoes
2 pairs shoes
1 wellingtons(if possible)
1 wellingtons (if possible)
1 warm coat/mackintosh
1 warm coat/mackintosh
1 pair trousers
1 warn dress/tunic
1 pullover
1 cardigan
6 handkerchiefs
6 handkerchiefs
1 toothbrush
1 toothbrush
1 face flannel
1 face flannel
1 comb
1 comb
2 towels
2 towels
2 cotton frocks
FOOD: Take sufficient food for one day. Take ration
book and identity card in gas mask case.
The government published photographs of evacuees looking
extremely happy. They did this so that evacuees would not be
afraid of having to leave their homes.
Write down words which describe this
group of evacuees.
Do the same for this photograph.
Now look at the photograph again. What do you notice?
Why do you think the boy on the left was often cut out of
the picture?
This is an example of ‘propoganda’. This means that the
photographer wanted people to believe in a particular
point of view.
Why were children and women
evacuated from their homes?
Do we understand how evacuees must
have felt leaving their parents?
What is ‘propoganda’ ?