Evacuation during WW2

First and foremost, I am delighted to hear that all children will be back to school on Monday 8th of March. It certainly has been a rocky road over the last three months but finally we can be reunited as a CREW and continue are learning journey in becoming the best version of ourselves through hard work, resilience and respect.

This week, our expedition fast forwards a few years to the grim WW2. This was also a difficult period for the children during this time and they would have certainly felt the horrors of the war. One particular experience that children had to go through was being evacuated. I am extremely pleased once again with the hard work which has gone in to writing. The children have written some brilliant diary entries containing emotion and feeling and they have been able to empathise and think carefully about what it must have been like to endure such an emotional experience. Please take the time to read just some of the examples of the children’s work below. I am sure you will agree with me in saying that the quality of work produced is amazing! Very well done to you all in producing such fantastic pieces of writing!

Dear Diary, 

As soon as I woke up, I remembered that today was the day! I felt scared because I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I was also excited because I was going off on an adventure. Today was the day I got to see the countryside. I packed all of my essential belongings, like my clothes, shoes, coat, hat, bathing suit and most importantly my gas mask. I even packed my favourite teddy bear to remind me of home, and a picture of my mum and dad. I’m going to miss them so much, and I keep crying every time I think about them. I hope I still get a bedtime story tonight, because that’s the only way I can fall asleep. I hope my mum and dad are OK but I know I will see them again soon.

When I got to the countryside, I was so surprised! I had never seen so much green stuff! There were fields everywhere, and I even spotted a little cave that I might explore tomorrow if I’m allowed to. I think I might like it here. There’s no bombs! There’s no explosions! I feel a lot safer, even though I’m missing home. Maybe when the war is over, me, my mum and dad can visit the countryside together! I think I might draw them a picture to take back with me when I get to go home!

Good night

Monday 8th September 1941

Dear diary, 

As soon as I woke up I remembered that today was the day! I felt so nervous and sad because I would miss my mum and dad so much. I was being sent away to the countryside so that myself and my brother were safe from the bombs. As we boarded the train all I had was my suitcase with a few belongings, a pack lunch and my gas mask. It was an adventure as I had never been to the countryside before so I was excited to see what it would be like. I keep thinking to myself that we would be much safer than in the city but I just hope and pray I get to see my parents again and that they are safe.

Monday 8th September 1941

Dear diary, 

As soon as I woke up I remembered that today was the day! I felt nervous and excited because I was going to a new place. I was looking forward to seeing new animals because I’ve never been to the countryside. I’m scared to leave my mum and dad but my brother is coming with me. I made sure I packed everything I needed. Especially my gas mask, name tag and my favourite teddy bear. My mum made us a packed lunch for the journey. I’m scared I’ve never been on a train before. I wonder what it’s like. The view from the train window was amazing. I could see sheep and horses. There were so many trees but the train ride was bumpy. I stood in a gigantic hall surrounded by children. We were excited to see who would get chosen. Me and my brother were the last two to be collected and we wondered if we would get picked to go to a home. When a man and woman walked in and said we were going with them. I was unsure at first when we arrived at the house, they showed us to a room me and my brother would be sharing. I could see out the window. I couldn’t wait to explore the area and garden. We were sitting at the table ready for tea when I realised that I wasn’t with my parents anymore. It was different. I missed them already.