The Evacuation of English Children to Wales During Second World War

As the shadows of World War II cast a dark cloud over Great Britain, the safety of children became a paramount concern. In response to the threat of aerial bombings, many British children were evacuated from cities to the safety of the Welsh countryside.

Operation Pied Piper

This massive evacuation, known as “Operation Pied Piper,” was carried out in 1939 and continued throughout the war. Over a million people, including about 800,000 children, were evacuated from major cities like London, Birmingham, and Liverpool. Many of these young evacuees arrived in Cymru, where they would find refuge from the perils of war.

Cymru opened its heart and homes to these young evacuees. They were billeted with Welsh families who took them in as their own, providing safety, shelter, and warmth during a time of uncertainty. The Welsh people showed remarkable kindness and compassion, making these children feel at home in their new surroundings.

For many of these children, the move to the Welsh countryside was a transformative experience. They got to know a different way of life, with fresh air, green landscapes, and a stronger connection to nature. The rural setting allowed them to experience a world far removed from the urban areas they had left behind.

---

More from Welsh Histories

Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. You can also support us as a member of our Patreon community. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.

---