Our ‘celebrations’ topic has included Remembrance and Armistice. The children, with the help of their parents, have been digging into their family memories and sharing stories of their relatives in wartime. The stories that have emerged are fascinating. One was a Commander on the destroyer Norfolk, involved in the sinking of the Bismarck. Another, a Royal Navy Commander, who joined up at 13 and was involved in Operation Neptune prior to the Normandy landings. Another was a despatch rider in the Royal Signals, delivering vital messages between the fighting lines. There were also those who served far away. A Corporal in the Royal Airforce protecting India from Japanese invasion and a Royal Electrical Engineer working to prevent the Japanese overrunning Burma. Others were members of the Royal Armoured Division and the Royal Artillery who fought through Italy and North Africa, affectionately known as the ‘D-Day Dodgers’.
The children were surprised to learn how women played key roles during times of conflict; driving ambulances during the Blitz, serving in the Women’s Auxiliary Fire Service, as Land Girls growing food for the nation, and even spying for the French Resistance!
It also became clear how many lives were interlinked; Mechanics who kept the fighter planes and bombers in the sky. The women who packed the parachutes for the aircrews. A Registered Nurse who served at the Vickers factory, who made the engines for the Spitfires. And a Flight Lieutenant in 255 Squadron who flew in the Battle of Britain and El-Alamein, rescued three airmen from a burning aircraft and received an exceptional bravery medal from King George. Each person played their role in the in the huge war effort.
These Grandmothers, Grandfathers and Great Grand Parents showed exceptional bravery and courage and faced extreme adversity. They gave so much and the children have enjoyed sharing their stories and bringing history to life, right into our classroom. Many medals and accolades were won. Mothers protected their children from Doodlebugs. Submarine bases were destroyed ensuring the safety of the Atlantic fleet and the Black Watch earned their reputation as the ‘devils in skirts’!
It is poignant that several of the children share middle names from these heroes and heroines in tribute to their courage and sacrifice.
