Scottish child evacuees in Canada during the Second World War

[chalstead]

Hello,
My current PhD research focuses on British children (especially those who came from Scotland!) who were evacuated to Canada in the Second World War. I research children who came privately or through CORB and have created a database of over 3000 children (I have their names, placement information, ship, etc).
I would love to hear from former evacuees or their families. Please contact me if you are trying to trace an evacuee. Moreover, I would also love to hear from those who remember these evacuees (in Britain, Canada, schools etc.)
I hope I can share my findings!
Thank you!

[MonicaL]

Hi chalstead 

There are so very many websites dedicated to this project over the years, both from the Canadian and UK side in terms of research. A lot of this research covers the whole span of the Home Children programme from the late 1800s through to the period this programme came to an end in the UK from the 1950-60s.

CORB, for background http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children%27s_Overseas_Reception_Board  A number of links (chalstead, you are better placed than me to link  ) such as www.cst.ed.ac.uk/Events/Conferences/documents/SmerdonCPaper.pdf or www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/90/a8761890.shtml ).

I assume you are well versed on this amazing research and archives. Canada has been amazing in terms of the info it has mantained overall, whether through governmental or independent sources.

Monica 

[chalstead]

Hi Monica,
Thanks for your reply! My research solely focuses on evacuees (especially during the war) so I do not get into the Home Child programme too much.
Indeed, the Smerdon paper makes a great start on looking at evacuees in literature. I have been very fortunate with my research in both Britain and Canada.
You seem to have an interest in this topic as well! 

[MonicaL]

Not a specific interest, only that over the years here on RC some quite sad and complicated searches have come up in this area.

Such a huge job has been done now on this area, with so many volunteers and specific groups over the years collating and indexing so much info. As you are finding with what you are doing, so much else there to work through still...

Wish you every luck with this   

Monica

[chalstead]

Hi Monica,
Have the previous sad and complicated searches etc been mostly on the Home Children (who went to Canada mid 19th-20th century) through organisations such as the Barnardo's or on evacuees in Canada? Your previous knowledge of RC is really helpful.
Thanks for the best wishes - they are returned.

[MonicaL]

Yes, in the main, those have been the type of research requests here. KarenM, the moderator for the Canadian Board and J.J., a RC member, are very knowledgeable on resources and links etc.

For example, one here from J.J., info a little earlier than you are looking for though, www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=284296.0

Have you had a look through the Canadian board here? www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?board=166.0  All sorts of material there such as www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=547412.0

Also, if you go to the general search screen here on RC http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?action=search and simply type in home children (or other term/words) lots of links to come up for you to have a look at.

Monica