Original Corporation of Edinburgh City Education Department circular dated March 1939, 

issued to parents and guardians concerning the planned evacuation of children 

from Edinburgh in the event of a national emergency

Issued six months before the outbreak of the Second World War, the document explains the practical arrangements being prepared for children living in crowded parts of the city. It states that children would assemble at designated schools listed on page 2, travel to safer areas under the supervision of teachers, and be housed in the country, with efforts made to keep family groups together.

The circular also asks parents to indicate whether they wished their children to be included in the evacuation arrangements, so that the Government could complete its plans in peacetime should war break out.

An interesting piece of pre-war Home Front planning, showing how seriously the authorities were preparing for civilian evacuation before hostilities began.

The document was issued from the City Education Department, 12 St Giles Street, Edinburgh, with the facsimile signature of Jas. B. Fizzell, Evacuation Officer.

A scarce piece of Edinburgh and Scottish wartime ephemera with strong local and social-history interest.

Condition: some edge wear, original folds and a few minor marks