Leyton & Leytonstone
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by David Boote
what head teachers’ ‘school log books’ tell us about the effect of air raids on Leyton and Leytonstone
One problem air raid warnings posed was the possibility of putting the school pupils at greater risk from harm as they walked – or ran - home. An entry in the Harrow Green Boys' School log book for 13 June 1917 is vivid : “Noise of hostile engines was very plainly heard about 11'20. This continued about 30 minutes interrupted more or less by sound of guns (machine & otherwise) & exploding bombs. Children were placed away from windows under the desks and sent home at 12 when noises had ceased for 10 minutes”.
Some log books entries suggest that pupils may have been sent home after an air raid had begun. Church Road School was cautious on 13 June 1917 : “Notice of Air Raid received this morning at 11.35 a.m. Went round school & warned teachers & also suggested that classes were to be as clear as possible from windows Matters having cleared I allowed classes to leave at intervals & assisted at Infants' School afterwards.” The same school noted for 2 October 1917 : “Notice received from Fire Brigade that Air Raid was in progress. Time 12.58 p.m. School not opened for the afternoon. All clear at 2 p.m.” Various entries like this suggest Head Teachers were reluctant to terminate teaching in the middle of a lesson but more ready to combine the midday break with the release of children to go home, or to declare a delayed or cancelled start to teaching for the afternoon. “In consequence of warning of an approaching attack by hostile air-craft at about 1.10p.m I had the yards cleared, children in them sent home and gates locked. The “All Clear” notice did not reach here until just before 2 p.m. so school was not opened for the afternoon session” 5