Letters from the Second World War

We hope you find the information on our website and resources useful. This resource contains potentially
sensitive and/or upsetting topics that may emotionally impact on students you use it with due to their
experiences in their past. It is your responsibility to consider whether it is appropriate to use this resource
with your students. If you do use this resource, it is your responsibility to ensure that appropriate support is
available for anyone affected.

Know your class: some content may be too upsetting for some children.

visit twinkl.com
Letters from the Second World War

Betty is a mother of five. Her children have been evacuated and this is
the first letter that she is writing to them. Evelyn is the eldest.
y
tt
Be

20th May 1940

My Dearest Darlings,

(Evelyn, dear, do read this out loud to the little ones.)

I’m writing to you, my dears, as soon as I am possibly able to. Just a moment
ago I received a note from your headteacher, Mrs Pettigrew, informing me of your
new address in Devon. I do hope you are all well and not suffering too badly with
homesickness. My darlings, I know this is trialsome for us all but we must be
so happy that you are all safe, away from the dreadful dangers of London. Just
last night, the Germans were here again swarming all over the London skies. I’m
sure there’ll be hardly any of Stratford left when they’ve finished! I received word
yesterday that I shall be travelling to Kent, away from these nights of fear and fire;
I will be working in a factory to support the war effort.

Evelyn, do write back to me with your news. We should all be so grateful that you
have been placed together.

All my love,

Mummy

Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the
Second World War

Henry is an evacuee. He is ten years old and has been evacuated from
his home in East London to North Yorkshire. This is the first letter he is
writing to his mother after arriving.
n ry
He

10th September 1939

Dear Mum,

How are you? I'm doing pretty well, under the circumstances! They’ve brought us
up here, to North Yorkshire. The train journey was amazing! Did you know there
are parts of England that are just fields and fields and fields for miles around?
No houses at all! We seemed to be travelling forever even though it was, in fact,
just a few hours. Mrs Smart told us that we had all done the school proud and
behaved impeccably on the journey. She and Miss Billington looked like they were
awfully sad when they watched us all go off with our host families, even crying a
bit, I think.

I’ve found myself in Grassington with a quite charming family called the Davidsons.
Mr and Mrs Davidson run the village shop. Sometimes after school, Mrs Davidson
lets me choose from the jars of lemon sherbets, barley sugar twists and pear drops
that they keep on a shelf behind the counter. They have two children of their own,
both younger than me, John is five and Elsie is just a baby. Tomorrow, Mr Davidson
is taking John and me to the market to buy supplies for the shop. He said we’ll see:
sheep, cows, pigs and all sorts of animals! Life is so different here from our place in
Hackney. You wouldn’t believe how much space there is everywhere! And everyone
knows each other. It's almost like they’re all family.

I do miss you terribly though, Mum. How long do you think I’ll have to stay away?
Have you had any more letters from Dad? Do write soon and let me know how
you’re keeping.

Lots of Love,

Henry

P.S. Please don’t let Winnie play with my train set.

Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

Questions
1. How many brothers and sisters does Evelyn have? Tick one.

five
three
four
one

2. Draw four lines to match each character to the correct description.

The headteacher of Betty’s

Mrs Smart
children’s school

Winnie Henry’s teacher

Mrs Pettigrew Evelyn’s mother

Betty Henry’s little sister

3. Find and copy one word from Henry’s letter which means the same as 'perfectly'.

4. Fill in the missing words.

I do hope you are all well and not too badly

with .

5. Where do Betty and her family usually live?

6. I will be working in a factory to support the war effort.

What sort of factory do you think Betty will be working in and how will it support the war effort?





Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

7. I do miss you terribly though, Mum. How long do you think I’ll have to stay away? Have
you had any more letters from Dad?
What does this passage tell you about how Henry is feeling?





8. How do you think Henry’s new life in Grassington compares to his usual life in Hackney?





Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

Answers
1. How many brothers and sisters does Evelyn have? Tick one.

five
three
four
one

2. Draw four lines to match each character to the correct description.

The headteacher of Betty’s

Mrs Smart
children’s school

Winnie Henry’s teacher

Mrs Pettigrew Evelyn’s mother

Betty Henry’s little sister

3. Find and copy one word from Henry’s letter which means the same as 'perfectly'.

impeccably

4. Fill in the missing words.

I do hope you are all well and not suffering too badly with homesickness.

5. Where do Betty and her family usually live?

Betty and her family usually live in Stratford.

6. I will be working in a factory to support the war effort.

What sort of factory do you think Betty will be working in and how will it support the war effort?

Pupils’ own responses, such as: I think Betty could be working in a ship building
factory. This would have helped the war effort by providing extra ships to be used
by the Navy.

Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

7. I do miss you terribly though, Mum. How long do you think I’ll have to stay away? Have
you had any more letters from Dad?
What does this passage tell you about how Henry is feeling?

Pupils’ own responses, such as: I think this passage tells me that Henry is feeling
quite homesick but trying to be brave and also grateful for being in a safe situation.
He is also worried about his Dad who is not at home; I think he might be in the army.

8. How do you think Henry’s new life in Grassington compares to his usual life in Hackney?

Pupils’ own responses, such as: I think Henry’s new life in Grassington is very
different to his home in Hackney. He tells us in his letter that there are a lot of green
fields and space so I think this means he is not used to it and instead there are a lot
of houses and not much open space where he lives. He also says that all the people
seem to know each other because Grassington is a small village whereas I think his
community must be much bigger and people don't know each other as well.

Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.com

Letters from the Second World War

Margaret is a young woman who has volunteered to join the Women’s

Land Army (WLA). She is from Birmingham and has been sent to work
on a dairy farm in Framlingham, Suffolk. She is writing this letter to
t
re
ga

tell her sister where she has been posted.

ar
M

Dearest Dorothy,

Well, here I am, in a quaint little corner of our England that I never imagined I’d
find myself in. I’ve been posted to Framlingham, which is in a county called Suffolk
– apparently. I can’t begin to tell you how very different it is from our old streets
of Hodge Hill. It’s nothing but greenery, Dorothy! As far as your eye can see!

In all honesty, I can’t complain about my position. We girls are all getting on quite
pleasantly together and – although the work is hard – the fresh air is quite an
enjoyable change from the smoggy grey drear of Birmingham. We rise early each
morning to tend to the cows (the ladies, we call them). First milking is at 5 a.m. –
which for me is painfully early – but we take it in turns to do the first shift. Then,
the rest of the day is occupied with mucking out, feeding, seeing that the milk is
ready for collection and all the other menial domestic tasks: washing, preparing
meals and keeping our dormitory spic and span.

I suppose I ought to end it here as it is almost time for lights out. The other girls
are mostly sleeping already. Do write back to me, Dorothy, won’t you? Let me
know where you’ve ended up in these strange and unpredictable times. I hope you
feel, as I do, that we’ve made a wise choice in joining the WLA. It is only right that
we do our bit even if it does bring significant hardship. I do miss you terribly and
Dotty, Mama and Father, of course. Mrs Beardsly – the dairy farmer’s wife – says
that it’ll all be worth it in the end; I do hope she is right.

All my love,

Maggie

Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the
Second World War

Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister from 1940-1945 and led the country
throughout the turmoil of the Second World War. He wrote this letter to the people
of Great Britain and had it published in a national newspaper. It was designed to
on

raise people’s spirits and encourage them to be proud and serve their country.
st
in
W

10 Downing Street, London

21st August 1940

My Dear People of Great Britain,

I write to you in these times of great turmoil for one reason and one reason alone.
I do so, my good people, to compel you all: hold firm, keep your courage and
maintain your absolute belief that we, the people of Great Britain, will prevail in
this dreadful war.

It is during times such as these, unthinkably arduous times, that we are presented
with the opportunity to demonstrate our true stamina. But – my great Britons – we
shall triumph for we have goodness, morality and honour on our side.

If you believe – as I do – in the importance of principles, then you will have no

question that we had no choice but to enter into this war. We did so in order
to protect what is good, what is right and what is decent, not only here on our
beautiful island but across the streets and fields of Europe and indeed the world.

I ask you once again: hold firm, keep your resolve and know that what we will
achieve, through these darkest days of war, will be remembered for generations
to come as the most remarkable sacrifice - made by many to ensure the future
of millions.

Your devoted servant,

Winston Churchill, Prime Minister

Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

Questions
1. Where is Margaret from? Tick one.

North Yorkshire
Hodge Hill
Grassington
Hackney

2. Draw four lines to match each character to the correct description.

The Prime Minister

Mrs Beardsly
of Great Britain

Winston A nickname for Margaret

Dorothy The dairy farmer’s wife

Maggie Margaret’s sister

3. Find and copy one word which means the same as 'urge'.

4. Fill in the missing words.

I hope you feel, as I do, that we’ve made a choice in joining the WLA.
It is only right that we do our bit even if it does bring significant .

5. Name one of the jobs that Margaret must do on the dairy farm.

6. What do you predict Dorothy’s reply letter will say to Margaret?





Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

7. What is the purpose of Winston Churchill’s letter?





8. How do you think Margaret’s life in Suffolk compares to her usual life in Birmingham?





9. Summarise the most important things you have learnt from these letters about life during
the Second World War.





Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

Answers
1. Where is Margaret from? Tick one.

North Yorkshire
Hodge Hill
Grassington
Hackney

2. Draw four lines to match each character to the correct description.

The Prime Minister

Mrs Beardsly
of Great Britain

Winston A nickname for Margaret

Dorothy The dairy farmer’s wife

Maggie Margaret’s sister

3. Find and copy one word which means the same as 'urge'.

compel

4. Fill in the missing words.

I hope you feel, as I do, that we’ve made a wise choice in joining the WLA. It is only
right that we do our bit even if it does bring significant hardship.

5. Name one of the jobs that Margaret must do on the dairy farm.

Accept any of the following: Tending to the cows/the ladies, milking, mucking out,
feeding, getting milk ready for collection, domestic tasks, washing, preparing meals,
cleaning the dormitory

6. What do you predict Dorothy’s reply letter will say to Margaret?

Pupils’ own responses, such as: I think Dorothy will say that she is very happy to
have got a letter from Margaret and that she is glad they decided to join the WLA. I
think she might be on a farm too in a different part of the country.

Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

7. What is the purpose of Winston Churchill’s letter?

Pupils’ own responses, such as: I think the purpose of Winston Churchill’s letter is
to try to raise the morale of his people. He knows that they are all struggling and
that the war is causing hardship for the entire country but he wants them to remain
positive and strong rather than descending into despair. His letter is supposed to
make them feel like they are all part of a great battle and that, together, they will
succeed in the end.

8. How do you think Margaret’s life in Suffolk compares to her usual life in Birmingham?

Pupils’ own responses, such as: I think Margaret’s life in Suffolk is probably very
different to her normal life in Birmingham. In Suffolk, Margaret is doing physical
farm work and spending a lot of time outside. In Birmingham, she probably works
inside most of the time and doesn’t see the countryside very much. The other big
difference is that her new life in Suffolk is away from her friends and family.

9. Summarise the most important things you have learnt from these letters about life during
the Second World War.

Pupils’ own responses, such as: I have learnt that lots of young women volunteered
to work on farms in the countryside. This has taught me that it wasn’t just the
soldiers on the front line that made sacrifices during the war. It affected everyone at
home too.

Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.com

Letters from the Second World War

Betty is a mother of five. Her children have been evacuated and this is
the first letter that she is writing to them. Evelyn is the eldest.
y
tt
Be

20th May 1940

My Dearest Darlings,

(Evelyn, dear, do read this out loud to the little ones.)

I’m writing to you, my dears, just as soon as I have been able to. Just a moment
ago I received a note from your headteacher, Mrs Pettigrew, advising me of your
new address in Devon. I do hope you are all well and not suffering too badly
with homesickness. My darlings, I know this is difficult but we must be so happy
that you are all safe, away from the atrocious dangers of London. Just last night,
the Germans were bombarding the London skies. I’m sure there’ll be hardly any
of Stratford left when they’ve finished! I received word yesterday that I shall be
travelling to Kent, away from these nights of dread and fire; I will be working in a
factory to support the war effort.

Evelyn, do write back to me with your news. We should be so grateful that you
have all been placed together.

All my love,

Mummy

Page 1 of 3 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the
Second World War

Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister from 1940-1945 and led the country
throughout the turmoil of the Second World War. He wrote this letter to the people
of Great Britain and had it published in a national newspaper. It was designed to
on

raise people’s spirits and encourage them to be proud and serve their country.
st
in
W

10 Downing Street, London

21st August 1940

My Dear People of Great Britain,

I write to you in these times of great turmoil for one reason and one reason alone.
I do so, my good people, to compel you all: hold firm, keep your resolve and
maintain your absolute and unfaltering belief that we, the people of Great Britain,
will prevail in this dreadful war.

It is during times such as these, unthinkably arduous times, that we are presented
with the opportunity to demonstrate our true strength of character. It is during
these times that we are tested to within an inch of our tolerance. But – my great
Britons – we shall triumph for we have goodness, morality and honour on our side.

If you believe – as I do – in the importance of integrity, then you will have no

question that we had no choice but to enter into our current circumstances. We did
so in order to preserve what is good, what is right and what is decent; not only
here on our beautiful island but across the streets and fields of Europe and indeed
the world.

I beseech you once again: hold firm, keep your resolve and know that what we will
achieve, through these darkest days of war, will be remembered for generations
to come as the most remarkable sacrifice - made by many to ensure the future
of millions.

Your devoted servant,

Winston Churchill, Prime Minister

Page 2 of 3 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the
Second World War

Margaret is a young woman who has volunteered to join the Women’s

Land Army (WLA). She is from Birmingham and has been sent to work
on a dairy farm in Framlingham, Suffolk. She is writing this letter to
t
re
ga

tell her sister where she has been posted.

ar
M

Dearest Dorothy,

Well, here I am, in a quaint little corner of our England that I never imagined I’d
find myself in. I’ve been posted to Framlingham, which is in a county called Suffolk
– apparently. I can’t begin to tell you how very different it is from our old streets
of Hodge Hill. It’s nothing but greenery, Dorothy! As far as your eye can see!

In all honesty, I can’t complain about my position. Us girls are all getting on quite
pleasantly together and – although the labour is hard – the fresh air is quite a
pleasurable change from the smoggy grey drear of Birmingham. We rise early each
morning to tend to the cows (the ladies, we call them). First milking is at 5 a.m. –
which for me, is painfully early – but we take it in turns to do the first shift. Then,
the rest of the day is occupied with mucking out, feeding, seeing that the milk is
ready for collection and all the other menial domestic tasks: washing, preparing
meals and keeping our dormitory spic and span.

I suppose I ought to end it here, as it is almost time for lights out, the other girls
are mostly sleeping presently. Do write back to me, Dorothy, won’t you? Let me
know where you’ve ended up in these perplexing and unpredictable times. I hope
you feel, as I do, that we've made a discerning choice in joining the WLA. It is only
right that we do our bit even if it does bring significant hardship. I do miss you
terribly and Dotty, Mama and Father, of course. Mrs Beardsly – the dairy farmer’s
wife – says that it’ll all be worth it in the end; I do hope she is right.

All my love,

Maggie

Page 3 of 3 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

Questions
1. What does WLA stand for? Tick one.

Winston’s Land Army

Women’s Land Army
Women’s Land Armour
World Land Army

2. Draw four lines to match the characters with the correct description.

the Prime Minister of

Evelyn
Great Britain

a mother whose children

Dorothy
have been evacuated

Betty Betty’s eldest daughter

Winston Margaret's sister

3. Find and copy one word from Winston Churchill’s letter which means the same as 'succeed'.

4. Fill in the missing words.

It is during times such as these, unthinkably times, that we are

presented with the opportunity to demonstrate our true of character.

5. Where is Margaret from?

Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

6. I hope you feel, as I do, that we’ve made a discerning choice in joining the WLA. It is
only right that we do our bit even if it does bring significant hardship.
What impression does this passage give you about how Margaret is feeling?





7. What do you predict Dorothy’s response will be to Margaret’s questions?





8. How do you think Betty’s experience of the war compares to Margaret’s?





9. What was Winston Churchill trying to achieve by writing his letter to the people of
Great Britain?





10. Summarise the most important facts you have learnt about the Second World War from
these letters.





Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

Answers
1. What does WLA stand for? Tick one.

Winston’s Land Army

Women’s Land Army
Women’s Land Armour
World Land Army

2. Draw four lines to match the characters with the correct description.

the Prime Minister of

Evelyn
Great Britain

a mother whose children

Dorothy
have been evacuated

Betty Betty’s eldest daughter

Winston Margaret's sister

3. Find and copy one word from Winston Churchill’s letter which means the same as 'succeed'.

prevail

4. Fill in the missing words.

It is during times such as these, unthinkably arduous times, that we are presented with
the opportunity to demonstrate our true strength of character.

5. Where is Margaret from?

Margaret is from Hodge Hill, Birmingham.

6. I hope you feel, as I do, that we’ve made a discerning choice in joining the WLA. It is
only right that we do our bit even if it does bring significant hardship.
What impression does this passage give you about how Margaret is feeling?

Pupils’ own responses, such as: This passage suggests that Margaret is feeling nervous
and maybe unsure about her decision to leave her home and join the WLA. I think she
is looking for reassurance from her sister that they have done the right thing.

Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.com

 Letters from the Second World War

7. What do you predict Dorothy’s response will be to Margaret’s questions?

Pupils’ own responses, such as: I predict that Dorothy will respond by explaining to
Margaret where she has ended up and what she is doing. I also think she will agree
with Margaret that although the choice they have made to join the WLA was difficult,
they have done the right thing.

8. How do you think Betty’s experience of the war compares to Margaret’s?

Pupils’ own responses, such as: I think Betty and Margaret’s experiences have both
similarities and differences. They are similar because they are both suffering some
hardship: Betty is missing her children and Margaret is missing her home. But they
are different because Margaret is younger and has chosen to leave her family whereas
Betty is older and has taken the decision to send her children away.

9. What was Winston Churchill trying to achieve by writing his letter to the people of
Great Britain?

Pupils’ own responses, such as: I think Winston Churchill wrote this letter to his
people because he was trying to both reassure them and ignite some national strength
and solidarity. He wanted the whole country to be behind the war effort and for
everyone to do their bit and know that their contribution was valued and important.
He was also trying to raise morale and keep people positive.

10. Summarise the most important facts you have learnt about the Second World War from
these letters.

Pupils’ own responses, such as: The most important facts that I have learnt from
these letters are that children were sent away during the war to keep them safe,
some young women chose to join the WLA to help with the war effort and Winston
Churchill, the Prime Minister, appreciated the difficulties his people were experiencing
and wanted to support them.

Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.com