Government evacuation schemes and their effect on school children in Sheffield during the Second World War.

Abstract

In the period between the First and Second World Wars evacuation came to be seen as a
 military necessity in the event of future hostilities. In anticipation of immediate and
 devastating bombardment of London and other British centres of economic and
 strategic importance, the organised removal of 'non-essential' groups of civilians from
 vulnerable areas was regarded as vital in order to save lives, preserve public morale and
 prevent universal panic. This thesis studies the effects of official evacuation schemes
 which were operated during the Second World War. Firstly, the background to
 planning is outlined, with particular attention to organisation for evacuation from
 Sheffield. Secondly, preparations for departure, the operation of the 'Pied Piper'
 programme, and resistance to evacuation, particularly with regard to Sheffield, are
 covered, together with reactions in reception areas and methods employed in the
 selection of billets. Thirdly, difficulties encountered in the reception areas, complaints
 about evacuees, the premature drift homeward of evacuees and problems of education,
 both nationally and locally, are discussed. Later evacuation plans, leading to the
 'Trickle' scheme and its accompanying problems, as well as overseas evacuation, the
 effects of the Sheffield blitz. and further government planning are described. Finally
 Operation 'Rivulet' (the 'flying bomb' evacuation) and the implications of the change
 for the city of Sheffield from an evacuation zone to a reception area for victims of
 rocket attacks in 1944 is examined, concluding with the final stages of the evacuation
 scheme. Evacuation was an event of major social importance: massive upheaval
 followed, conflicting cultures of urban and rural life were exposed and the gaping
 chasm between classes was laid bare. The British public did not flee in unruly disorder:
 on the contrary, countless thousands resisted evacuation - none more so than the people
 of Sheffield. The reasons for this, and the broader significance of evacuation in the
 'people's war', are also suggested.