Children throughout the country grew up quickly during Second World War. War affected home life, the school calendar, and playtime. Many children became involved in the War effort and often joined their parents in fundraising for St. John Ambulance and the British Red Cross. Here are just a few stories of the children’s war effort.
What did you do?Rosemary Frost
[I’d carry the box] until it got too heavy and then my mother would.
Any special memories?Helen Anderson BBC People’s War:
At age 12, a princely sum of eight shillings was raised from a concert and raffle. This was donated to the War Charities Fund housed at 6, Tombland, Norwich, for the Red Cross and St John Ambulance Brigade. Any special memories?John Smith: |
Listen to RosemaryAudio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. FactsSome children sold prized possessions or items they had made themselves to raise money for the Joint War Organisation. Others sold flowers and vegetables grown at home or at school, or gave their earnings from picking blackberries, mushrooms and rose hips. Other children cleaned cars and bicycles, mowed lawns, collected firewood and did odd jobs to raise money. FactsThe Churches, Schools and Books Appeal set up a special committee for colleges, schools and youth organisations in 1940. Through this committee, children gave concerts and plays and organised fetes and other outdoor entertainments. FactsChildren also gave gifts in kind to the Joint War Organisation, such as treasure bags for wounded soldiers and POWs who had returned home. These were filled with useful items such as soap, razor blades, stationery, playing cards and even chocolate, bought out of pocket money or from earnings. |