During the Second World War over a million (1,000,000) children were moved from British cities so that they would be safer from the bombs and air raids. Over 200,000 of these children were sent to all parts of Wales, and the name used for children that were sent to the Welsh countryside during this period is evacuees. They often had to travel on trains and would leave their families with only a few personal belongings, a gas mask and an identity tag.

The lives of Welsh children also changed during this period. They were encouraged to contribute to the war effort by learning skills like gardening and sewing, and collecting materials for recycling. Children had to practice wearing their gas masks regularly, and goods like chocolate were rationed and scarce.

By using the magnifying glass to look for specific items in the photographs you will learn more about children’s lives during the Second World War.

• Children of the War
• The Hurdy Gurdy
• Entertainment
• School Children
• Evacuees