Meet the Blitz Kids. They’re a group of friends who as children grew up in wartime Britain, experiencing the challenges, dangers and changes brought by World War II. When the war began in 1939, they were just 12 years old.
George lives in London. He’s 12 and is just about to start at senior school. He live with his parents, Frank and Irene.
Peter is George’s great friend. They go to school together. Peter’s a football fanatic, won’t stop talking about Arsenal’s latest win.
Maggie is George’s friend from little school. She’s very chatty and talks quite quickly. She also likes a good moan and can’t keep secrets! A stylish movie lover and is always excited when a new film opens at the cinema.
Robbie is another friend of George, Peter and Maggie from little school. He’s the quiet one, prefers listening to jazz on the wireless radio, even if his friends tease him for it.
Betty is a George’s cousin who lives on a farm in Suffolk. She’s a feisty tom boy who likes hard work… and a good laugh.
Alice is George’s friend who lives on Jersey on the Channel Islands. They are keen pen-pals.
The Blitz Kids faced rationing, air raids and family separations, but also found ways to enjoy childhood. They wrote journals and letters to each other, making friends and even sneaking treats from American soldiers!
Whilst they shared many adventures and faced similar issues, they also all had different experiences.
After the war, they had to adjust to a changing world, with returning soldiers and life slowly rebuilding. By 1955, they are young adults, looking back on their past and honouring those they lost. Through it all, the Blitz Kids stayed strong, showing resilience, hope, and friendship in the face of war.
Let’s discover their story… which starts on 30 September 1938 when the Prime Minister – Neville Chamberlain flew to Munich for a famous meeting with Adolf Hitler, the leader of Germany, and on his return made the following announcement to the country…
“My good friends, for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time…”
Whilst there’s talk of a war in Europe, life in Britain feels normal – for now.
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Embed from Getty ImagesGeorge has been given his mother’s old typewriter. He starts writing a daily journal and dreams of one day working for a newspaper and reporting on what’s happening around him.
At home, George’s mother, Irene, talks about updating their clothes and furniture to match the latest styles. His father, Frank, remembers the “good old days” but can’t ignore the changes happening around him. The family discusses the possibility of war and the arrival of Jewish children in Britain, escaping danger in Germany.
Embed from Getty ImagesMeanwhile, Christmas is coming and George looks forward to a huge feast at Grandma’s house. He writes in his journal…
“We’re looking forward to one of Grandma’s amazing spreads – roast turkey, all the trimmings, cake… you name it. She’ll spoil us rotten and then it’ll be a new year… I wonder what 1939 will bring us. Hopefully more time visiting family and mooching around with Maggie, Peter and Robbie.”
Next time… war is declared and the Blitz Kids watch as everything begins to change.
Do this…
Just like George, begin your own Blitz journal. Get started here.
Can you spot this?