Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Somerset > Related Images
Evacuee children walking through countryside gate, Sept 1939
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Evacuee children walking through countryside gate, Sept 1939
A woman helps children through a kissing gate in Somerset evacuated from south Blackfriars in London. A boy named Charlie in the foreground is the first through and holds a bouquet of flowers. The group represents thousands of British children evacuated from major cities as a precaution against air raids in the first weeks of September, following the outbreak of war.
September 1939
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23266976
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Blackfriars Evacuated Evacuee Evacuees Jul19 Somerset
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Somerset
> Related Images
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
September 1939: A Moment of Hope Amidst the Uncertainties of War This poignant photograph captures a moment of hope and respite for thousands of evacuee children as they make their way through a picturesque countryside gate, leaving behind the chaos and danger of urban life in the first weeks of World War II. The image, taken in Somerset, shows a woman helping children, including a young boy named Charlie in the foreground who proudly holds a bouquet of flowers, through a "kissing gate." As the dark clouds of war gathered over Europe in September 1939, the British government initiated a massive evacuation of children from major cities, particularly those in the south, as a precaution against air raids. This exodus of young lives represented the largest mass movement of people in peacetime British history, with over three million children and women evacuated from urban areas to the safety of the countryside and rural communities. The scene depicted in this photograph stands in stark contrast to the grim realities of the war that was unfolding. The children's faces, filled with a mix of excitement, apprehension, and curiosity, reveal the complex emotions that accompanied this momentous journey. The idyllic countryside setting offers a brief reprieve from the harsh realities of war, providing a glimmer of hope and optimism for the future. This evocative image, taken by the Illustrated London News Ltd and captured by the talented photographer Mary Evans, serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It also highlights the collective efforts of the British people to protect their children and ensure their safety during this tumultuous time in history.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
