London - 1939

PowerPoint Show by Andrew

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As bombing raids attacking Britain's cities increased during World War Two, thousands of children were uprooted from their families and sent to the safety of the countryside. Many found, however, that life away from home was no picnic.

The evacuation of Britain's cities at the start of World War Two was the biggest and most concentrated mass movement of people in Britain's history. In the first four days of September 1939, nearly 3,000,000 people were transported from towns and cities in danger from enemy bombers to places of safety in the countryside.

A soldier and his family having lunch in a park as war preparations go on in the background.

A bus converted into an ambulance in preparation for war.

A bus converted into an ambulance in preparation for war.

People building air raid shelters of white brick on a residential corner.

Children being evacuated out of London during the outbreak of World War II.

A Home Guardsman standing watch on London Bridge following outbreak of World War II.

People painting white circles on trees in the event of a blackout during air raids.

A London train station during the outbreak of World War II.

Children standing in a park as preparations for air raids commence in the background.

A man putting masks on a traffic light during the outbreak of World War II.

People painting white circles on trees and white curbs in the event of a blackout during air raids.

People buying air raid protection devices like gas masks.

Children being evacuated out of London during the outbreak of World War II.

Territorial Army recruits standing guard on the London Bridge.

Children being evacuated out of London during the outbreak of World War II.

A train being converted into an ambulance.