Explain the differing reactions of people in Britain towards the policy of evacuating children during the Second World War?

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Explain the differing reactions of people in Britain towards the policy of evacuating children during the Second World War?

By Anja Popp

        People had different views and opinions of the policy of evacuating children during the Second War. Many people, who weren’t affected by the situation, did not get involved at all, however, as the war continued, the Government realised how necessary the policy was for the safety of Britain’s future, and the progression in British economy.

        Different mothers needed different amounts of convincing. Some were happy to send their children away as they knew they would be safer in the countryside, and in many cases, it would be a new opportunity for them. They also knew it would enable their husbands who were fighting in the Royal Forces, to stay focused on bringing Britain victory, if they knew at least some of their loved ones were safe. In addition it meant they were free to help the war effort by helping out in the factories and other areas. They could work longer and harder hours without worrying about their children. At first however, many mothers were reluctant to send their children away from home. They were unaware of the severity and felt that with their husbands being away from war, they had know one to spend their time with, but their children, and so lots of children were not at first evacuated. However after many warning many decided to send their children to safer areas. After the phoney war in 1939 many children drifted back home, as they had no reason to stay away from their mothers if they thought there was no risks. However some were then taken by surprise when the air raids began in earnest. Morale, of course, was somewhat shaken, and not all children wanted to go. Indeed, many mothers stopped their children from leaving, which resulted in many tragedies. However most mothers rightfully thought the best place for their children was in the countryside where they were with safe caring families where they could get a lot of food and exercise. Eileen James, a mother from London said before the war she was apprehensive about sending her two children, Rachel 8, and Michael 14 away to the countryside, they stayed at home with her until the first bombings in London. During the Phoney war she felt she had done the right thing as it was made apparent that their was no danger in keeping them in London, however after London first got bombed, she knew it was necessary for the safety of the children.

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        Many people were lined up to play hosts to the children, some who were delighted to do so, others quite the opposite. They knew that although they get the choice of whom they cared for, often the child could still have disgusting habits and behaviour problems, which they would have to cope with. They were lacking rations as it was, and with additions to the household, they thought that they would be starving, however many received a pleasant surprise as they had more than enough food. Several also didn’t have a lot of room for extra people and so had ...

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