Wartime Evacuation

The experiences of children during the War were as diverse as their family circumstances.  But, it was the Evacuation – which features at the end of Act 1 in our show – which marked one of the most defining acts of WWII.  For many, that sense of unity-amidst-danger – that so many people who lived through the War talk about – was the result of the Evacuation.

Our childrens’ song (‘Vacuation Sounds Real Neat) and its aftermath indicates the poignancy of that experience.  Many evacuees did enjoy what seemed like one long holiday in the countryside or on the coast.  Lifelong friendships were formed that cemented the cameraderie of the Wartime generation.  But, for others, the experience was far darker, of violence, abuse or intense loneliness, away from family and friends.

And, of course, it varied enormously from place-to-place.  In London, ‘trekkers’ took kids out of the city to the surrounding countryside each night.  Whereas, from Liverpool, there was a steady stream of trains leaving Lime St to take children to Wales, into Lancashire, The Lakes and further afield.  Some children were away for only a few days and went on repeated moves.  Others stayed with families for many months.  Many described it as one of the most wonderful experiences of their lives.  Others would hardly mention their experiences.

But, above all, what Evacuation did reveal was the ability of the nation to pull together, for the sake of its children, however chaotic some of their adventures were.  It is difficult to imagine such a mass movement being acceptable or possible in our own time.  In some ways we may have lost that feeling of being one nation that Wartime brought.  Even so, it is important to listen to the stories and, if you get the opportunity, to ask those who lived through the War, “so, what was the Evacuation really like?”  You and I will be amazed at the tales we’re told.