1.5 million people were relocated during the first three days of evacuation alone.

SEPT 1939

FIRST CHILDREN EVACUATED

Due to the fear of air attack and even invasion, British children are evacuated from the cities and into rural areas. The first evacuation was carried out two days before the declaration of war.

JAN 1940

FOOD RATIONING INTRODUCED

The British government introduces rationing to help combat the national food shortage. Every member of the British public is given a ration book with coupons necessary to purchase the rationed items. These include: bacon, butter, meat, sugar, lard, tea and more.

SEPT 1939

FIRST ANDERSON SHELTERS BUILT FEB 1939

Named after Sir John Anderson, who was in charge of Air Raid precautions, the first garden shelter designed for air raids is built. By the war’s end over 3.5 million had been distributed.