St Wilfrid's during the Second World War

St Wilfrid's was closed at the outbreak of war and its pupils evacuated to Ushaw Moor in County Durham. The school log book records the following:

Thursday August 31st 1939
1.45pm Notice received for evacuation on following day. Children were all instructed about routine, and school dismissed to prepare.

Friday September 1st 1939
All children assembled in departments as instructed. Infant party numbered 24 children and 5 voluntary helpers under my supervision. We joined Juniors and Seniors in Junior Playground and after prayers and hymns for God's protection on all, we set out for Gateshead Station at 12.30 pm, our destination Ushaw Moor.

Sunday September 3rd 1939
War declared

Monday April 1st 1940
School re-opens after being closed since September 1st 1939 - a period of seven months. Only half-time education to be given.

Thursday April 4th 1940
Practice in entering Air-Raid shelters. Entrance of 3 classes 2 minutes. Practice am and pm

Friday May 24th 1940
Empire Day. No holiday owing to critical period of war. Both sessions celebrated day by songs and conversations on "Our Empire".

Wednesday July 3rd 1940
Air Raid siren sounded during afternoon session. Children very quietly and calmly entered Shelters until 'all clear' siren was sounded. Children sang and listened to gramophone records. Children left shelter after half an hour. About 3 o'clock school was dismissed for rest of day.