Fighting On All Fronts: Women At War exhibition article - Operation Pied Piper

Operation Pied Piper

The evacuation during World War Two, known as Operation Pied Piper, started in 1939. Developed by the Anderson Committee and organised by the Ministry of Health to protect people from the bombing in cities around the country, especially children (who were separated from their parents), as well as the infirm, elderly and mothers with babies. The operation moved over 3.5 million evacuees to homes and camps in the countryside and other countries in the British Empire, under the approval of the Children's Overseas Reception Board (CORB). Assistance was provided by local authorities, railway staff, teachers and the Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS; formed in 1938). Goods, important records and companies were also moved, including gold from the Bank of England, art and other treasures from museums, and government and private offices.