Harwich Museum is appealing for the public to share information and artefacts from the Second World War, when hundreds of children were sent away from the town for their safety.
June 2, 2025, will be the 85th anniversary of the day when 1,200 Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston children were sent away on a big “adventure” to keep them safe from the danger of living so close to a major port during the war.
we would like to hear from anyone who has memories of being an evacuee, or family members who may have photographs, identity cards, ration books or any items relating to that time.
This could be about an older sibling who left, a close friend who departed on one of the trains, letters sent home from places of safety, or valuable historical information from stories which have been handed down through years showing the experiences of loved ones.
Harwich Museum would also love to find school logbooks, registers and other material which could also help show how families were persuaded to let children be evacuated.
The museum is putting together a new exhibition for the anniversary.
Thornbury and District Museum, in Gloucestershire, has already carried out extensive research and has a record of several Harwich evacuees who were placed in their area, which they are sharing.
Some 375 exhausted children and 29 teachers arrived at Thornbury Station that evening, almost 10 hours after they left Harwich.
Not all children left the town as it was a decision for their parents and carers whether they went or stayed at home.
Some children would even enjoy the time they spent staying with their ‘war parents’.
Research group member Arlene Ellis said: “Most of us are fortunate to live a life that has not experienced trauma to this level.
“We owe them so much. We must remember the sacrifices they made, not so many years ago.”
If you have information to share, call 07836 328560 or email contact@harwichmuseum.co.uk