There was a buzz of excitement – and just a hint of nerves – in Prep VI this morning as pupils prepared to “evacuate” to the safety of Stockport. With the threat of air raids looming over Manchester, it was time to leave city life behind and head for the relative calm of the shelters and the waiting arms of their new host families.
Before we could depart, each child ensured their evacuee label was properly completed – after all, no one wanted to end up lost in wartime confusion! Our packed lunch rations were carefully packed into our gas mask boxes. Once everyone was accounted for, we boarded our “motor buses” and waved farewell to Manchester, bound for the tunnels and trials of Stockport.
Our first stop was the famous Stockport Air Raid Shelters. These underground sanctuaries offered an immediate glimpse into wartime life. Guided by two knowledgeable and slightly stern ARP wardens, we explored a portion of the vast network – nearly a mile of tunnels in total, though we didn’t walk every inch. We learned that as many as 6,500 people would cram into these shelters during heavy raids. Thankfully, it was much quieter for our visit!
The children were fascinated by the electric lighting and bunk beds, although the flushing toilets raised some eyebrows – particularly the idea of eight people using them at once, separated only by a thin hessian curtain! Naughty boys flushing burning pieces of paper down the pipes to surprise users is not something that we hope to see when we eventually return to school – the prospect of three weeks of toilet cleaning duties is, we suspect, enough of a deterrent! Spirits were lifted at the nurses’ station, where we danced the Lambeth Walk to the sound of a crackling wireless. There was plenty of singing too, including a rousing chorus of Run Rabbit Run – a known favourite of Mr Churchill himself.
After our underground exploration, we surfaced for a quick bite from our ration packs before heading on to the Town Hall for the all-important billeting process. But first, there was work to be done.
To help impress our potential host families, we rolled up our sleeves and got stuck into some essential wartime skills: hand-washing clothes with dolly tubs and mangles, darning holes in socks with ‘make do and mend’ know-how, and tackling chores like washing up and tidying. Some children took to their new roles with gusto – it’s safe to say many of them will return home with quite the domestic skillset!
Gas mask practice was next on the agenda. Let’s just say the wardens seemed a little surprised by how rusty we were – apparently, three drills a week is the recommended minimum! Mr. Suter was certainly in the dog house over our lack of practise. We also examined fragments of bombs and shrapnel recovered from the area, though certain mischievous boys had to be reminded that such items are not to be traded in the playground.
Our final destination was the grand Town Hall, where billeting assignments awaited. Don’t worry, parents – each child will be sending a postcard soon to let you know where they’ve ended up. And if all goes well, you might be able to apply for visiting rights in just six weeks’ time to spend an afternoon together…
I really enjoyed the trip to Stockport and I liked going through all the tunnels in the shelter. I liked when we went down the dark tunnel and turned our lights off. I also liked practicing putting on gas masks and trying the different things out. I liked doing the house chores too. This trip was great.
Alex.C Prep 6
I had a brilliant time exploring what it would have actually been like 80 years ago when the sirens sounded. My favourite part was doing all of the jobs that the evacuees would do, such as: Washing and drying clothes, making rugs, cooking and cleaning. I enjoyed using the mangle because I spun it really fast and it was fun. I also really enjoyed when we went through the dark tunnels and I got to hold the torch! It was pitch black and we couldn’t see anything. We listened to the siren that would go off when there were German bombing planes coming over England and when there was poisonous gas in the air. When the wardens shouted “Gas, gas, gas!” You only had six seconds to get your gas mask on! I also enjoyed wearing the heavy canister that the wardens would have to wear everyday. It was painted with special paint which was yellow and if the paint turned brown, there is poisonous gas in the air.
I really enjoyed this trip! Thank you Mr. Suter for organising it.
Isabelle Harrison Prep VI
I loved going to Stockport Air Raid Shellters. I had so much fun! One of my favourite parts was when I tried on the gas mask which was oddly comforting! I also enjoyed when we went through the tunnels singing old songs about Hitler. I found it both fun and scary when we were in the pitch black tunnels trying to see our fingers. It was impossible! I liked how the guide called us old fashioned names. Mine was Judy!
Thank you so much to the teachers who organised this trip. If I had the opportunity I would definitely go on this trip again.
Annie Prep 6
I had a great time at Stockport. Before I went underground I was a little nervous but mostly excited. I had no idea what to expect. One of my favourite parts when we went through the shelter was walking through pitch black tunnels with torches. When we turned off the torches I couldn’t see anything. We were meant to count to 15 then wiggle our fingers to start to see the outline of things. I think it worked for no one though! After lunch we went to practise house chores. I think I was best at turning the mangle. It was also really fun! We all listened to what a real Air Raid Siren would sound like! It was super loud. When we tried on the gas masks it felt really strange. Also the Morrison shelter was surprisingly comfy! I enjoyed this trip a lot and would definitely go on it again! Thank you everyone who planned it!
Beatrice Prep 6
What wonderful pictures! One of my favourite trip venues. Prep 6 certainly made the most of it today. Well done all.