IWM - Your half term sorted

As February half term approaches, we've delved into our archive for stories of how children lived during the First and Second World Wars. Read on to discover those stories and find out what we've got happening this half term.   A child in the First World War During the First World War children gave their money to help towards the war effort. Donating to the War Savings Association, children raised money for charities including St Dunstan's Hostel for blinded ex-servicemen, the Blue Cross for sick and injured animals, and local military hospitals. A little harder to fathom, hundreds of thousands of children younger than school leaving age worked in factories and farms, their earnings often a helpful addition to their family's income. 10 ways children took part in the First World War   Life as an evacuee Parents were issued with a list detailing what their children should take with them when evacuated. These items included: a gas mask, a change of underclothes, night clothes, plimsolls or slippers, socks, toothbrush and towel, comb and soap, handkerchiefs and a warm coat. Evacuees and their hosts were often astonished to see how each other lived. While some children flourished, others endured a miserable time away from home. Despite hardships, the government’s voluntary evacuation scheme was an enormous undertaking that saw millions of children sent to places of safety, away from the threat of German bombs. The evacuated children of the Second World War   Scroll down for more on our half term activities. Visit IWM London and discover what life was during the Second World War for evacuees and roll your sleeves up on HMS Belfast to help get her ship shapefor her 80th birthday!

What's on in half term

Ship Shape 17-18 February I Free with admission Led by expert conservators, the whole family is invited to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime chance to help get our iconic warship, HMS Belfast, looking ship shape and ready for her 80th birthday!   All hands on deck

Meet an Evacuee 15 February I Free, drop in What was it like being an evacuee? Meet Second World War eyewitnesses who can answer questions and share their personal stories of evacuation and life on the home front.   Meet an evacuee

Kids' Guidebook Explore! A Kid's Guide to IWM Londontells the stories behind some of our favourite objects on display and is packed full of fun activities to keep children entertained.   Buy the guide

What's on elsewhere... Hidden London: Clapham South subterranean screenings and tours Organised by London Transport Museum, Feb-Mar 2018 Watch Second World War footage in an atmospheric deep-level shelter and learn about the people that sheltered there during the V-weapon raids. Or join a tour below Clapham South Tube station and explore a rarely seen network of underground passages.