World War II: Packing for evacuation
The Government Evacuation Scheme outlined what everyone should pack for
when they were evacuated. These items would have been carried in a suitcase,
but many only had a packed lunch and a change of clothes in a pillowcase. Each
child had a label attached to them with their name and which school they attended.
Activity:
Ask the class to bring in a small bag each packed with their favourite items. These
items need to be what they think are important to their lives if they were evacuated
from family and friends.
Discuss the findings and compare with the government recommendations.
Resources provided;
This section includes:
 Government recommended list of items for evacuation
 Evacuation labels
Resources needed:



Scissors
Print outlines of evacuation label on thick paper or card
String or wool
© Lake District National Park Authority / Field Studies Council
Government recommended list of items for
children to pack when evacuated:
 Gas mask
All:
 Towel
 Identity card
 Facecloth
 Packed lunch
 6 handkerchiefs
 Overcoat or mackintosh
 Wellington boots
 Comb
 Boots or shoes
 Toothbrush

Plimsolls
 Soap
Boys:
Girls:
 Pair of trousers
 Skirt
 Pullover or jersey
 Blouse
 Shirt
 2 Pairs of knickers
 2 vests
 2 pairs of stockings
 2 pairs of pants
 Slip (under-skirt)

 Vest
2 pairs of socks
 Petticoat
 Cardigan
Print on to card and cut out,
punch hole and tie with string.
Evacuation labels
Official Ldnp evacuation label
Name ………………………………………..
address …………………………………..
……………………………………………….
school ……………………………………..
Official Ldnp evacuation label
Name ………………………………………..
address …………………………………..
……………………………………………….
school ……………………………………..