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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Durham => Topic started by: sallya on Friday 30 November 12 17:25 GMT (UK)

Title: WWII evacuation
Post by: sallya on Friday 30 November 12 17:25 GMT (UK)
Hello,

I wondered if it is possible to find out where children from a certain area were evacuated to during WWII?

My grandmother lived in Felling and her and her brother were evacuated. I remember she had fond memories of  being evacuated and she always said she stayed with a nice lady. I have found a postcard that her brother sent home to their mother telling her about how he was getting on and it got me wondering as to whether I'd at least be able to work out the area or town they were sent to?

Unfortunately the stamp has been torn off his postcard otherwise I'd have known the answer.

Any help is much appreciated. Thank you.
Title: Re: WWII evacuation
Post by: Evie on Friday 30 November 12 17:45 GMT (UK)
Hi

Is the postcard plain or does it have a scene on the front?

Evie
Title: Re: WWII evacuation
Post by: sallya on Friday 30 November 12 18:03 GMT (UK)
It has a picture but nothing that gives location away. It has a drawing of a little boy and some horses and says:

'Cheerio Mum! Happy? I should think I am! Come and see me soon!'

It's disappointing about the stamp. Apparently my auntie Joan collected stamps when she was little and went around tearing them off old letter but no longer has them.
Title: Re: WWII evacuation
Post by: Evie on Friday 30 November 12 18:19 GMT (UK)
Oh that's a shame, chatters are pretty good at recognising scenes.

I did come across this and as you probably know Gateshead is not that far from Felling

http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/northeast2.html

It's one idea unless someone has better knowledge :)


Evie
Title: Re: WWII evacuation
Post by: sallya on Friday 30 November 12 18:33 GMT (UK)
Thanks Evie.

I found this one also.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/63/a2640863.shtml

My grandmother did attend St Wilfred's in Felling at the time she was evacuated (the same as Catherine Bell in the story) but I see that Catherine was at a different school when she was evacuated. That's a shame, as it would have been a good match.
Title: Re: WWII evacuation
Post by: JenB on Friday 30 November 12 18:46 GMT (UK)
There is masses of information (on original documents) here, which might help you
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/NBL/Evacuation/index.html

It does mention a St Winfred's RC school in Part 11, I wonder if this is a misprint for St Wilfred's?
Title: Re: WWII evacuation
Post by: Evie on Friday 30 November 12 18:56 GMT (UK)
Oh well found Jennifer how interesting

Evie
Title: Re: WWII evacuation
Post by: sallya on Friday 30 November 12 19:30 GMT (UK)
There is masses of information (on original documents) here, which might help you
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/NBL/Evacuation/index.html

It does mention a St Winfred's RC school in Part 11, I wonder if this is a misprint for St Wilfred's?

Hi Jen,

Yes you are right! I googled St Wilfred's and Ushaw Moor and found this:

http://www.tomorrows-history.com/projects/PE0100060001/1940s.htm

Great find Jen, thank you very much :-)