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Enemy aliens queue to register outside church, Sept 1939
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Enemy aliens queue to register outside church, Sept 1939
A church in Hampstead helps to register crowds of enemy nationals just after the outbreak of war, September 1939. The Sphere emphasises that " all cases are examined with care and consideration, there being no desire to treat enemy aliens harshly" which along with the idea of a " registration rush", helps to explain the size of the crowd and need for this church, among others, to assist.
September 1939
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Media ID 23266998
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Alien Aliens Churches Enemy Foreign Foreigner Foreigners Germans Jul19 Outbreak Register Registration Hamstead Nationals
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant photograph captures the moment of registration for enemy aliens outside a church in Hampstead, London, just after the outbreak of World War II in September 1939. The image, published in The Sphere magazine, shows a long queue of individuals, mostly German nationals, waiting patiently to be processed. The registration rush was a necessary response to the declaration of war and the need to identify and monitor enemy aliens living in the UK. Despite the urgency of the situation, the caption reassures readers that "all cases are examined with care and consideration, there being no desire to treat enemy aliens harshly." This message of fairness and compassion is an important reminder of the complexities and nuances of wartime policies towards foreigners. The use of a church as a registration center adds a layer of symbolism to the scene. Places of worship were often seen as neutral ground and a source of comfort and community during times of crisis. The fact that this particular church in Hampstead was able to assist with the registration process underscores the role of local communities in supporting the war effort and providing essential services. The photograph offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history, when the lives of thousands of foreign nationals were forever changed by the events of war. It also serves as a reminder of the resilience and compassion of individuals and communities in the face of adversity.
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