Why Is A National Memorial Needed?
The British evacuation of its civilians, especially children, during the Second World War is recognized as having been the greatest social and family upheaval ever experienced in this country.
The evacuation virtually emptied many towns and cities of their children. Schools closed, families were divided; streets and playgrounds were silenced. In the reception areas populations doubled or even trebled overnight.
During the first days of the evacuation, the railway companies carried their then highest number of passengers. Many hundreds of ‘evacuation specials’ were run and normal train and bus services were cancelled or disrupted. Some main roads leading out of London were declared one-way-only, giving priority to the evacuation traffic.
The evacuation separated families of all social classes. When their children were taken away parents did not know where they were going or with whom they would be living. All they could do was to line the roads and watch in grim-faced silence as the long ‘crocodile’ lines were led away.
Some evacuees were away for many years; others for only a short time. Some never could go home, perhaps because of the war they no longer had a home or parents to return to. Others did not survive the war, either through enemy action, accidents or illness. Many lie in graveyards in the reception areas.
The end of the war brought to a close the evacuation scheme, but for many its effects will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
The Evacuees Reunion Association is proud to announce Maurice Blik ATC PPRBS FRSA as the artist chosen to create this memorial. His maquette (scale model) of the monument is shown here.
For the story of the development of the National Memorial project, please follow the site links.
The Evacuees Reunion Association. Registered Charity No. 1073507.
Tel: 01777 816166 Privicy Policy | Terms & Conditions