School Life in Wartime

From the Harwell Primary School log-book, 1941:

3rd February: The school will be used by the military authorities for sleeping troops tonight.

4th February: On arrival at school this morning I found the military still in occupation and engaged in clearing up. The floors were wet, and the caretaker had been unable to light the fires until long after the usual time. As it was a very cold morning and the school was not ready at the opening time, I sent the children home with instructions to return for the afternoon session.

13th February: An Army officer called this morning to enquire about using the school for accommodating troops for the night. I informed the education secretary by telephone and was told that military authorities may only requisition buildings through the police. Police-sergeant Palmer later informed me that the military authorities would not need the school after all.

Comments

• deborah –
  10 Dec 2008

  i find this very fair and i agree with every part of it