The Evacuees Reunion Association

The Evacuees Reunion Association (ERA) was formed in 1995 to ensure that the true story of the great evacuation would become better known and preserved for future generations. Founded by a former evacuee, James Roffey, the ERA is a registered charity, managed by former evacuees and others interested in the subject.

It aims to place on record the impact that the evacuation had upon communities throughout the United Kingdom, not just those in the departure areas, but also those in the designated reception areas. The story of the evacuation has been surrounded by wildly believed myths ever since the scheme was first suggested by the British government. The true story has so many different facets, covering every aspect of the long term effects that evacuation had upon the individuals and communities that were involved.

Every day the ERA receives the true stories of former evacuees. They vary from idyllic to accounts of great hardship and privation. It also records the stories of the evacuation of children from the homeland to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Operated by the Children’s Overseas Reception Board, it was a scheme that was brought to an abrupt and tragic end by enemy action.

The association organises reunion meetings and publishes a monthly newsletter, entitled The Evacuee, which is sent free to ERA members. The ‘Lost Touch’ section has helped many people to trace old friends. The association is currently raising funds to place a memorial in the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield. It will pay tribute, not just to the evacuees, but to everyone involved in the evacuation, such as the foster parents, teachers, nurses, train drivers and billeting officers.

You can find out more by visiting the ERA website at www.evacuees.org.uk or contact the organisation by telephone on 01777 816166.