A journey away from home

In 1940, during the Second World War, some children left large towns and cities to stay in safer places in the countryside. This was called evacuation. Children travelled with a small suitcase and a label showing their name and destination. They might carry a gas mask in a box. Some children felt excited; others felt worried or sad about leaving their family. At their new home, they met a host family. Food was rationed, which meant people had limits on how much of some foods they could buy. Families used ration books to keep track. During an air raid, people went to a shelter or another safe place.