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The Children's War
178 pages
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 13, 2014
During WWII heavy bombing in England caused three major migrations of children from the city to the country. Ruth Inglis writes compelllingly of each exodus in her book. The first migration began on September 1st, 1939, just days before Britain declared war on the Axis powers. The second was in August of 1940 with the onset of the Battle of Britain and the third was in September of 1944.
Half of the children in London were evacuated on E-Day (the first evacuation day).But since German bombers did not appear in earnest until the spring of 1940, two-thirds of the evacuees had returned home by January of 1940. Although the first evacuation seemed a farce, it was, in reality, a practice run for the two subsequent evacuations which were necessary when the Germans blitzed all major cities.
You can imagine the distress of having to decide between parting with one’s children for their physical safety or keeping them home for their emotional well-being. Some parents refused to send their children away even though the government strongly encouraged it. Interestingly, Churchill refused to make it mandatory.
The choice was not an easy one. Some who held out (by keeping their children at home) gave in during the 2nd and 3rd migrations, particularly the last one when the Germans unleashed a new weapon, the V1 bomb.
A valuable read for WWII buffs who enjoy stories of the English homefront.
Half of the children in London were evacuated on E-Day (the first evacuation day).But since German bombers did not appear in earnest until the spring of 1940, two-thirds of the evacuees had returned home by January of 1940. Although the first evacuation seemed a farce, it was, in reality, a practice run for the two subsequent evacuations which were necessary when the Germans blitzed all major cities.
You can imagine the distress of having to decide between parting with one’s children for their physical safety or keeping them home for their emotional well-being. Some parents refused to send their children away even though the government strongly encouraged it. Interestingly, Churchill refused to make it mandatory.
The choice was not an easy one. Some who held out (by keeping their children at home) gave in during the 2nd and 3rd migrations, particularly the last one when the Germans unleashed a new weapon, the V1 bomb.
A valuable read for WWII buffs who enjoy stories of the English homefront.
August 1, 2012
Enjoying this very much.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews