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Evacuees at Paddington Station in 1939
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Evacuees at Paddington Station in 1939
This moving image of evacuees making their way along platform 4 at Paddington Station was also taken during the 4 day evacuation of London and other major cities in September 1939. On September 1st, 58 evacuation trains were run by the GWR alone, carrying 44, 042 children from the capital to the countryside. By the 4th September the number was reduced to 28 trains transporting 17, 796 children. In total the GWR ran 163 trains from London during this 4 day period, evacuating 112, 994 children. The evacuation story did not end there however, for the GWR was subsequently involved with the re-evacuation of children from the South and East Coasts to safer places, and the evacuation of more children from the London area
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19929955
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
1930s 1939 Children London Paddington World War 2 Departure Evacuation Evacuees
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant print captures the heart-wrenching scene at Paddington Station in 1939 during the four-day evacuation of London and other major cities at the outbreak of World War II. As children, clutching their meager belongings, make their way along platform 4, one cannot help but be moved by the profound impact war had on innocent lives. In an unprecedented effort to protect vulnerable children from the horrors of conflict, the Great Western Railway (GWR) played a pivotal role in this mass exodus. On September 1st alone, GWR ran an astonishing 58 evacuation trains carrying over 44,000 youngsters from London to safer rural areas. By September 4th, as fears subsided slightly, the number reduced to half with only 28 trains transporting nearly 18,000 children. During this brief but crucial period of time captured in this image, GWR orchestrated a remarkable total of 163 trains evacuating an astounding count of over 112,000 children from London alone. However, their involvement did not end there; they continued aiding in re-evacuations from South and East Coasts as well as further evacuations within London itself. This photograph serves as a powerful reminder not only of the immense sacrifice made by these young souls torn away from their homes but also pays tribute to GWR's unwavering commitment towards safeguarding future generations amidst such uncertain times.
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