Zeppelins and Air Raids in 1916 (Edward’s Diary)
Edward watches the Zeppelins bomb South London from the attic window, and talks about how it felt to have the war so close to home.
Listen to the diary entries of Edward Hampton and discover what life was like between 1914 and 1918. What subjects were taught at school, what could people do for entertainment and how did children help with the war effort?
Explore what it was like to be a child during different times in history!
Listen to the diary entries of Edward Hampton and discover what life was like between 1914 and 1918. What subjects were taught at school, what could people do for entertainment and how did children help with the war effort?
Then, Dan and Bex have found a book that transports them back to Victorian Britain! They’re exploring all the grim and nasty jobs that children just like you had to do in the past, from picking up poop to popping up chimneys.
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Edward watches the Zeppelins bomb South London from the attic window, and talks about how it felt to have the war so close to home.
Children were certainly kept busy in 1916. Many would be caring for smaller children or had jobs. Even those still at school would help with the war effort, perhaps through the Scouts and Guides.
Edward experiences the wounded returning from the Front Line, coming back on ambulance trains. He talks to Sid about seeing injured tommies in the city.
People are desperate for news about the war – but not every report can be trusted. Government needs more and more men to join up and Edward notices an increase in the use of propaganda to encourage men to join up.
Edward talks with Mother about how many homes and schools have become military hospitals – even his rich grandmother has agreed to take in the wounded.
Father is back home on leave, and explains to Edward why the Government has had to introduce conscription.
Edward and Sid talk about how things have changed – anything with a German name is treated with suspicion, there are many new laws and women increasingly are filling the roles left by the men.
London 1916 and the war shows no sign of ending – the Battle of The Somme has shocked the nation, Londoners are experiencing changes and Edward’s father may be in the thick of it…
It’s Christmas time and Edward and Sidney are excited about the parcels they are sending to their menfolk in France. The shops are busy as Londoners enjoy getting in the Christmas spirit. Edward and his mother decorate the house and talk about th…