Explain The Differing Reaction During Evacuation

Many people were affected by evacuation in world war two; mothers, fathers, hosts, the host's children, but especially the children being evacuated themselves, literally everyone in the country had been affected by evacuation, changing their lives for years to come. When evacuation plans were announced on Thursday 31st August 1939 at 11:07a.m. the lives of millions changed, those evacuated had no idea of where they were going, what they would be doing and most importantly for them, when they'd be coming back.

Several children a little older, in their teens, saw it as an adventure, a break from school life and so were very much exited. Most children at boarding school couldn't wait for a chance to miss school and move to the country, they couldn't believe their luck. Others didn't want to go knowing they would be split up from their friends. Many teenagers still got very homesick and their emotions changed completely after knowing they were not just there for just a few weeks. Although some other children preferred their new life in the country "I've started making friends and I'm trying not to get into any trouble because, to be honest, I don't want 'em to send me home just yet!". The feelings of various children being moved around were distraught; when all they really wanted to do was get settled in one place.

Many young children still at primary school were totally oblivious of 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; 'Don't complain,' 'Look after your sister,' 'Write home as soon as you can'. 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