Bibliograph

Guernsey Evacuees, the Forgotten Evacuees of the Second World War

Type

Label

Guernsey Evacuees, the Forgotten Evacuees of the Second World War

Language

eng

Index

no index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Guernsey Evacuees

Nature of contents

dictionaries

Sub title

the Forgotten Evacuees of the Second World War

Summary

In June 1940, 17,000 people fled Guernsey to England, including 5,000 school children with their teachers and 500 mothers as 'helpers'. The Channel Islands were occupied on 30 June - the only part of British territory that was occupied by Nazi forces during the Second World War. Most evacuees were transported to smoky industrial towns in Northern England - an environment so very different to their rural island. For five years they made new lives in towns where the local accent was often confusing, but for most, the generosity shown to them was astounding. They received assistance from Canada and the USA - one Guernsey school was 'sponsored' by wealthy Americans such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Hollywood stars. From May 1945, the evacuees began to return home, although many decided to remain in England. Wartime bonds were forged between Guernsey and Northern England that were so strong, they still exist today

Target audience

adult

Classification