OFFICIAL EVACUEES
On 17.6.40, 25 children, aged 5-13, were evacuated under the Government Scheme from urban districts of Kent, and taken temporarily into the school awaiting other arrangements.
The log book notes the following:-
17.6.40 “There is no room for all these children to be permanently merged with the Devon scholars. In these present difficulties, it is impossible to adhere strictly to timetable. On fine afternoons, these evacuated children will be taken for walks by the two “helpers” who travelled with them. They had no accompanying teacher”.
19.6.40. Forwarded evacuees ration books to food control office, South Molton.
25.6.40. The working of the school is very difficult because of the overcrowding caused by the influx of evacuees.
10.7.40. Dr Platt (County Inspector) came today to discuss problems arising from Evacuation. He advises the removal of the Roman Catholic party (9) and the grant of a third teacher to help with the rest of the evacuated party. On suitable days, this third teacher is to take outdoor lessons with all the children in turn, to ease the congestion in the school.
Two weeks after the Inspector’s recombination, 9 Roman Catholic evacuees from Erith were transferred to Cullumpton. 4 others returned to Erith and one moved to Mariansleigh, easing the situation slightly