Oceans Apart: Stories of Overseas Evacuees in World War Two

During World War II, the Childrens Overseas Reception Board relocated over 200,000 children to Australia, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand for their safety. The "sea-vacs" had a range of experiences, from homesickness to prejudice and abuse. Penny Starns' book reveals their unique and personal experiences and their surprising influence on international wartime policy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

From May 1940, the Children's Overseas Reception Board (CORB) initiated a program to relocate children to Australia, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand for their safety during the Second World War. The scheme garnered immense popularity, with over 200,000 applications received within just four months. Additionally, thousands of children were privately evacuated overseas. These children, known as "sea-vacs," embarked on a journey that took them thousands of miles away from their homes. The process of sending letters home could take up to twelve weeks, leaving many children disconnected from their families in the United Kingdom. While most sea-vacs were well-cared for, some encountered homesickness, prejudice, and even abuse during their time abroad.

Penny Starns, in her book "Sea-Vacs: The Children's Overseas Reception Board and the Second World War," delves into the unique and personal experiences of sea-vacs through a comprehensive analysis of primary source material, including diaries, letters, and interviews. The book offers a poignant account of these children's lives, showcasing their resilience, courage, and hardships. It also sheds light on their surprising influence on international wartime policy, as their stories elicited international sympathy and financial support for the British war effort.

The CORB's efforts to relocate children overseas were driven by the devastating impact of the war on British children. With the threat of bombing and invasion, many families were forced to leave their homes, leaving their children behind. The CORB saw it as its responsibility to provide these children with a safe and secure environment, away from the dangers of the war.

The sea-vac program was a massive undertaking, requiring extensive coordination and resources. The CORB worked closely with governments, organizations, and volunteers to arrange transportation, accommodation, and support for the children. They also provided education and training to help the children adapt to their new lives and environments.

The sea-vacs had a range of experiences during their journey. Some children arrived in their new countries with little more than the clothes on their backs, while others were welcomed with open arms by families and communities. Some children found the transition difficult, while others quickly settled into their new lives.

Despite the challenges and hardships they faced, the sea-vacs had a profound impact on the countries they settled in. They contributed to the workforce, played a role in rebuilding communities, and helped to foster international understanding and cooperation.

The sea-vac program also had a lasting impact on the children who participated in it. Many of these children grew up to become leaders, activists, and advocates for social justice and human rights. They used their experiences to raise awareness about the importance of protecting children during times of conflict and to advocate for policies that promote the well-being and safety of children worldwide.

In conclusion, the sea-vac program was a remarkable effort by the Children's Overseas Reception Board to provide safety and support to children during the Second World War. The program's success in relocating over 200,000 children to safe countries and its lasting impact on the children and the countries they settled in are a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750999397
Edition number: 2 New edition