#Story
Evacuees in South Hams
In August 1939, London evacuees mistakenly arrived in Ivybridge, a town in South Hams, before later being moved to their intended destination, the nearby town of Kingsbridge. The arrival of Plymouth refugees and US troops also crowded the area, causing shortages but also bringing treats like fresh fruit.
Shortly before Britain declared war on Germany, many people, especially children, were evacuated to the countryside for their own protection. In one instance, a train carrying a group of young evacuees arrived unexpectedly at Ivybridge Station. These boys, aged 14 and 15, were pupils from Acton Technical College in London. They were supposed to reach Kingsbridge to continue their education but were mistakenly dropped off at Ivybridge.
After spending two months at Ivybridge, the boys were finally moved Kingsbridge Technical College, where they could settle into a more standardised routine. Not long after their arrival, younger evacuees from London also reached the area, finding homes with local families. Many of these children remained in Kingsbridge and the surrounding villages and towns for the rest of the war. To accommodate the growing number of pupils, schools adapted their routines. Local children attended their lessons in the mornings, whilst the evacuees were taught in the afternoon.
This account comes from local resident Audrey Staniforth and offers a personal glimpse into life in the South Hams area during wartime.
By March 1941, as the Blitz rained devastation on the coastal city of Plymouth, the quiet villages and towns of South Devon became a refuge for hundreds of city dwellers. They slept in churches, chapels, schools, and even in tents in people’s gardens, returning daily to their work in the city. During this, the Women’s Voluntary Service worked tirelessly to help feed and support them in the form of tea, coffee, and a mountain of sandwiches.
Later, the arrival of American troops at Ivybridge’s army camp brought new challenges. Pubs and dance halls were crowded, and beer became very scarce. However, local children and families benefited from gifts from the American soldiers, including fresh fruit, sweets, and women’s nylon stockings. These were luxuries that were difficult to come by in the rationing period, where food and supplies were strictly controlled.
In Ivybridge town centre is a First and Second World War Memorial that remembers those who came from Ivybridge and lost their lives during the two wars.