In the early hours of 1 September 1939 the government’s carefully devised plans for evacuation were put into operation, and the majority of the schools, teachers and escorts were moved before war was declared on 3 September 1939. As each school was evacuated, some parents found out at the very last moment, and ran to the railway station in order to say goodbye to their children. In some areas, such as Dagenham, long lines of children snaked through the streets, heading towards the ports where paddle steamers ships would transport them to safer areas.

As each school departed, a notice was hung upon its gates, announcing the destination to which the schoolchildren had been evacuated. When their children did not return home at the usual time, mothers gathered at the school gates to read these short, stark notices.

Meanwhile, when the evacuees arrived at the designated reception areas they were taken to public buildings, such as church halls and schools, where they were registered and given something to eat. Some received a carrier bag containing food items intended for their new foster parents. However, not all of the children understood this and many immediately began to consume the contents.