Youth at War: Young People and Their Schools in Britain in the Second World War

The Second World War was the cause of more civilian casualties, many of them young people, than of military. In Britain, young people were on the frontline, facing the threat of enemy invasion and the fragmentation of daily life.

Their education was disrupted as their schools were taken over by the government, military and Air Raid Precautions (ARP); as pupils were evacuated and staff conscripted; curriculum was diluted and part-time schooling instituted; and concerns over food and accommodation increased.

Along with the physical dangers of bombing and disease caused by deprivation and social dislocation, youngsters endured psychological and emotional pressure from anxieties over home and family.

Young people worked in industry and agriculture, served in the Home Guard and ARP, carried out voluntary activities in health and welfare, and prepared for military service as cadets and in uniformed organizations.

School buildings aided the war effort as military headquarters, training centers and research centers for weapons development and were often bombed.