Many young children still at primary school were totally oblivious to what was happening. Confused, upset and already asking for their mothers, numerous children were seeing it as a bemused nightmare. For some it was hard enough leaving their parents, but then having to leave with a complete stranger. It was a very traumatic period of time for most children, however, once in the country lots of children had fun-filled happy experiences; having a proper education and even learning to read and write. With letters being the only contact between children and mothers, learning to read and write is a major thing.
Countless mothers of evacuees were terrified by the bombings, but tried to hide it, so their children wouldn’t be so scared. It was very hard for most mothers, saying goodbye to their husbands possibly for the last time and then doing it all over again with their children. For many it was very hard to keep all emotions locked up inside them; with things becoming very stressful, depressing and lonely. Due to the bombings starting six months later, some children were taken back home. However, the bombings did occur and with a number of children now back home, these mothers felt guilty knowing they put their children in danger of the bombings. The feelings running of many mothers changed over time, from being lonely and depressed to cheerful after bringing their children back and then to regret and guilt, in due course these emotions led some mothers mentally ill.
Even though most fathers of evacuees were at war, they still had an idea that evacuation was happening and it was them too involved in differing reactions, they were more than happy to see their children in the safe countryside. Morale was higher now recognising their children may be evacuated and safe, this gave a somewhat drive to win the war; knowing that they still have something.
Most hosting families were eager to help out in their own way for the war effort by taking these children into their homes. All hosts had very different reactions to evacuation and even though the majority were keen to help various hosts treated evacuees with little respect. Some hosts beat the children they took into their homes, mistreated and abused them if they didn’t want or care for them, the child’s rations were sometimes stolen and at times given nothing more than bread and water, others were whipped, and made to be servants or labourers. However it would be totally wrong to suggest that all hosts were nothing more horrific foster parents. Many of evacuees had a fantastic, joyful time with no more than a little homesickness. Many hosts treated evacuees as a member of the family, given love and cared for making relationship that lasted a lifetime.
In conclusion the differing reactions of people in Britain to the policy of evacuating children during the Second World War were varied. Some children were confused of what was happening, especially many younger children who had no idea why. Many teenagers saw it as an adventure and a chance to skip school although others did not want to be evacuated at all. Many mothers were hit particularly badly by evacuation, lonely, depressed, stressed, guilt and regret filled; almost every terrible emotion possible affected these mothers and it was all locked up with no-one to help. Some fathers were given a drive if they were in the war knowing their children were safe and could be kept even safer if they won the war quicker, and so were in favour of evacuation. The hosts, which many were enthusiastic about helping out and although the bare minimum were wicked, they were the backbone of keeping the home front out of harm's way. So there were many different reactions on evacuation and the feelings of many have stuck in their minds throughout their lives.
