Childhood in London During the Blitz: Accounts and Reflections

The period of the Blitz in London, which took place from September 1940 until May 1941, marked a tumultuous time in British history, and particularly affected children who lived through this era. Many were evacuated to the countryside or even across the ocean to Canada, separating them from their families and the danger, but also creating profound psychological impacts.

Experiences of Evacuation

Many children were forced to leave their homes and cities, including London, to escape the bombings. This decision brought them to Canada or other parts of the UK where they were placed with families, often strangers. For example, many were evacuated to the countryside or sent to Countries in Canada to keep them safe from the bombings. This experience, while protecting them from physical harm, undoubtedly left a lasting mark on their psychic well-being.

Memories of the Blitz

Personal stories provide a vivid account of the war years. John Boorman’s film, "Hope and Glory", highlights the child's perspective of wartime London. The film, which premiered in 1987, is a valuable insight into the lives of children during this turbulent time.

Personal Accounts

Alex Baker, a child of the Blitz, shared his experiences:

I was 12 when the war started. We were part of the Scouts, and one of our tasks was to show evacuees around town to their new homes. At first, the bombings were a cause for panic, and we were ready to dive into air raid shelters. Over time, it became a routine and we learned to extinguish incendiary bombs. Some of us had more action than many service members did.
My father was evacuated from Gibraltar to the UK in 1940 and was five or six at the time. My mother was born in Pembroke Dock in 1940, where a major naval dockyard had been established. My uncle, Wallace Dan, was an Australian wireless operator/tail gunner who married a local girl. My mother remembers her mother covering her face in the air raid shelter, praying that she wouldn't be harmed by German pilots. My father, born in Falkirk in 1938, recalls his father going on Home Guard patrols with a carving knife tied to the handle of a broomstick, leading to humorous and dangerous situations.

Books and Films

There are a number of books and films that fictionalize the experiences of the children during the Blitz.

Fictional Accounts

Carry’s War by Jill Paton Walsh, which is based on the author's own family's experiences during the Blitz. Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian, which tells the story of a city boy evacuated to the countryside and the bond he forms with his new guardian.

These stories, while fictional, offer a powerful portrayal of the lives of children during this challenging period.

Conclusion

While many stories paint a grim picture, reminders of how families and communities pulled together to protect and support one another through the darkest of times, leave us with a bittersweet nostalgia. Today, as many of the witnesses of the Blitz pass on, it is crucial to preserve these accounts for future generations, ensuring they understand the importance of peace and unity in our society.