Last Thursday, pupils from Upper II proudly represented our school at Henley Town Hall for the 80th VE Day Celebrations. Dressed in their 1940s best—complete with headscarves, caps and vintage-style coats—the children truly looked the part as they stepped back in time to mark this historic occasion.
The commemorative workshop offered a fascinating insight into what life was like for children during the Second World War. Pupils learned about the mass evacuation of city children to the countryside, exploring the reasons behind this nationwide movement—most notably, to keep them safe from bombing raids in urban areas. They heard stories and accounts of what it might have been like to leave home with nothing but a small suitcase and a gas mask, unsure of where they were going or when they would return.
They also had the rare opportunity to examine wartime artefacts, including ration books and a baby’s gas mask—an extraordinary piece of equipment that covered the baby’s entire body. A few times during the talk, the air raid siren sounded, prompting everyone to take cover until it stopped. This gave the children a small sense of the anxiety and urgency families felt during air raids.
The discussion about daily life was eye-opening, particularly when it came to bath time—where the whole family shared the same water! Washing clothes by hand was the norm, and with new garments hard to come by, many children took up knitting and learned how to darn socks or patch up worn clothing. It was a time when the entire country pulled together, no matter their age. The Brownies and Cubs played an active part, from collecting scrap materials to helping neighbours, demonstrating that even the youngest citizens had a role to play.
Interestingly, wartime living was, in many ways, very eco-conscious. With the need to make do and mend, reuse, and upcycle, the wartime lifestyle aligns with many of our modern environmental values. Rationing helped reduce waste, and because fresh vegetables were not rationed, diets tended to be nutritious and seasonal. Fish and chips remained off the ration list and were one of the few treats families could enjoy without coupons—so it was only fitting that our students were treated to a delicious portion of fish and chips for lunch to complete their 1940s experience!
The day was a powerful reminder of the resilience, spirit, and sense of community that defined the wartime generation. Our pupils returned inspired, reflective, and full of admiration for the children of the 1940s who lived through such a remarkable chapter in history.