World War II Air Campaign: Reenactments of British Evacuations


Figure 1.-- A British reader tells us that he visited a 'Heritage Railway' which was holding a World War II event. Among the people dressed in army uniform, 1940s suits etc were these two lads in the guise of 'evacuees'. Not enirely authentic, but all in all rather a "good show". Image courtesy of the BSU collection.

Britain's World War II evacucations are not only remembered in books, aricles, movies, plays, and television, but there are also reenactments of the event. History reenactments is a popular activity in Europe and America. World War II is a little too recent for many reenactors, but this is beginning to change as the War is now over a half century old and so many were affected. The British World War II evacuations is especially interesting to children as the children played a major in the actual event. Inerestingly, although the Germans had an evacuation program involving comparabl number of children, we have never heard of any comparable evacuation recrations in Germany.

Rememberances

Britain's World War II evacucations are not only remembered in books, aricles, movies, plays, and television, but there are also reenactments of the event. History reenactments is a popular activity in Europe and America.

Chronology

World War II is a little too recent for many reenactors, but this is beginning to change as the War is now over a half century old and so many were affected. The British World War II evacuations is especially interesting to children as the children played a major in the actual event. The evacuee children are now aging. They are almost all over 60 years old now. Many are interested in seeing evacuation recreations, especially if there grand children are involved. The grand children in turn find it fun to participate.

Country Trends

Both Britain and Germany had major evacuation programs. They both involved large numbers of children, but were orgnized very differently. Inerestingly, although the Germans had an evacuation program involving comparabl number of children, we have never heard of any comparable evacuation recrations in Germany.

Recreation Events

We have noted several recreation events.

Heritage Railway recreation

A British reader tells us that he visited a 'Heritage Railway' which was holding a World War II event. Among the people dressed in army uniform, 1940s suits etc were these two lads in the guise of 'evacuees'. Not enirely authentic, but all in all rather a "good show". they were certainly enjoying themselves. Note that they are wearing labels bearing their names in case of getting lost (figure 1).

School recreations

World War II evacuation recreations are a popular project for school recreations. The children can reserch the topic. Not only are there a lot o books on the subjects, but their grand parents may have actully been evacuated during the War. Some may be invited to speak to the clas. The children can prepare reports and posters. An then they can dress up like evacuees and give a presentation on the subject. This is always a fun time for primary school children who love to dress up in costumes.






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Created: May 16, 2003
Last updated: November 5, 2003