Image Licensing : Child evacuees on Maidenhead station, 1939

EDITORS COMMENTS

In this poignant print from the STEAM Museum of the GWR, we are transported back to 1939, a time when the world was on the brink of war. The image captures a group of child evacuees huddled together on Maidenhead station in Berkshire, their innocent faces reflecting both fear and hope. These children were part of a mass evacuation effort that aimed to protect them from the horrors and dangers of war. Originating from the East End of London, they were uprooted from their homes and families in an attempt to keep them safe from potential bombings during World War II. The photograph speaks volumes about the resilience and bravery displayed by these young souls as they embarked on an uncertain journey into unknown territories. Their small suitcases clutched tightly in their hands symbolize not only their limited belongings but also their determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Maidenhead station itself becomes a temporary sanctuary for these children, offering shelter amidst chaos. It stands witness to countless tearful goodbyes between parents and offspring, as well as acts of kindness shown by strangers who opened their hearts and homes to those in need. This evocative image serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime – not just by soldiers fighting on distant battlefields but also by innocent children forced to leave behind everything familiar for an uncertain future. It is through photographs like these that we honor their courage while never forgetting our responsibility to strive for peace.