Government evacuation schemes and their effect on school children in Sheffield during the Second World War.

In the period between the First and Second World Wars evacuation came to be seen as a
military necessity in the event of future hostilities. In anticipation of immediate and
devastating bombardment of London and other British centres of economic and
strategic importance, the organised removal of 'non-essential' groups of civilians from
vulnerable areas was regarded as vital in order to save lives, preserve public morale and
prevent universal panic. This thesis studies the effects of official evacuation schemes
which were operated during the Second World War. Firstly, the background to
planning is outlined, with particular attention to organisation for evacuation from
Sheffield. Secondly, preparations for departure, the operation of the 'Pied Piper'
programme, and resistance to evacuation, particularly with regard to Sheffield, are
covered, together with reactions in reception areas and methods employed in the
selection of billets. Thirdly, difficulties encountered in the reception areas, complaints
about evacuees, the premature drift homeward of evacuees and problems of education,
both nationally and locally, are discussed. Later evacuation plans, leading to the
'Trickle' scheme and its accompanying problems, as well as overseas evacuation, the
effects of the Sheffield blitz. and further government planning are described. Finally
Operation 'Rivulet' (the 'flying bomb' evacuation) and the implications of the change
for the city of Sheffield from an evacuation zone to a reception area for victims of
rocket attacks in 1944 is examined, concluding with the final stages of the evacuation
scheme. Evacuation was an event of major social importance: massive upheaval
followed, conflicting cultures of urban and rural life were exposed and the gaping
chasm between classes was laid bare. The British public did not flee in unruly disorder:
on the contrary, countless thousands resisted evacuation - none more so than the people
of Sheffield. The reasons for this, and the broader significance of evacuation in the
'people's war', are also suggested.