The National Memorial to the Evacuation is dedicated "To Remember the Evacuation of Millions of British Children Separated from their Families during WWII (1939-1945)".
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National Memorial to the Evacuation
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In 1996 the British Evacuees Association was formed to bring former evacuees together to remember their experiences and ensure future generations know their story. On 25th July 2017, the associations 21st Birthday, the National Memorial to the Evacuation was dedicated by HRH The Duke of Gloucester.
During the Second World War it is estimated that over three million people were evacuated from areas at risk from aerial bombing or seaborne invasion to places considered to be less risk. Operation Pied Piper, that commenced in 1 September 1939, officially relocated 1.5 million people.; 827,000 children of school age; 524,000 mothers and young children (under 5); 13,000 pregnant women; 7,000 disabled people and over 103,000 teachers and other helpers.
Children were separated from their parents, labelled like pieces of luggage, and transported to the countryside together with their guardians.
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| Evacuees leaving home |
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| Evacuees entering station |
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| Evacuees labelled about to board train |
When they arrived at their destinations, which were unknown to the evacuees, they were housed by local families.
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| Evacuees arriving at their destination |
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| Evacuees arriving and been processed |
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