Women Wanted WWII Evacuation

Original vintage World War Two poster: Civil Defence, Women wanted for Evacuation Service, offer your services to your local council or any branch of Women's Voluntary Services. Image of lady volunteers helping a group of evacuee children dressed in smart clothes and school uniforms carrying small suitcases as they arrive in a village, greeting them from the lorries with one lady offering tea to a female truck driver and a small child playing with a dog. Published by ARP 9 - National Service. Very good condition, restored creases, loss on top corner, backed on linen.

Operation Pied Piper

The evacuation during World War Two, known as Operation Pied Piper, started in 1939. Developed by the Anderson Committee and organised by the Ministry of Health to protect people from the bombing in cities around the country, especially children (who were separated from their parents), as well as the infirm, elderly and mothers with babies. The operation moved over 3.5 million evacuees to homes and camps in the countryside and other countries in the British Empire, under the approval of the Children's Overseas Reception Board (CORB). Assistance was provided by local authorities, railway staff, teachers and the Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS; formed in 1938). Goods, important records and companies were also moved, including gold from the Bank of England, art and other treasures from museums, and government and private offices.