Figure 1.--This press photo ran in American newspapers on April 11, 1941 with the heading "Spitfire Boys". The caption read " Youngsters of Brixton doing their part in England's war effort by collecting firewood in their spare time and selling it. Lord Beaverbrook sent them a letter of thanks and nine guineas which they contributed toward the purchase of a Spitfire plane." Lord Beaverbrook was a a press baron and close associate of Churchill who worked wonders in increasing British aircraft production. Brixton was an area of south London considting primarily of residential housing. It was not hit as hard as the East End, but it was also bombed during the Blitz. The boys here were probably evacuated at the onset of the War, but convinced their parents to let them come home.

There were children in London all during the Blitz. Some boys found ways of making themselves useful. This varied as to age. Younger boys helped collect scrap and other material. Some children worked in allotments growing vegetables. Other children helped keep rabbits and chickens. Older boys might help with civil defense. Scouts engaged in a variety of organized activities. This press photo ran in American newspapers on April 11, 1941 with the heading "Spitfire Boys". The caption read " Youngsters of Brixton doing their part in England's war effort by collecting firewood in their spare time and selling it. Lord Beaverbrook sent them a letter of thanks and nine guineas which they contributed toward the purchase of a Spitfire plane." Lord Beaverbrook was a a press baron and close associate of Churchill who worked wonders in increasing British aircraft production. Brixton was an area of south London considting primarily of residential housing. It was not hit as hard as the East End, but it was also bombed during the Blitz. The boys here were probably evacuated at the onset of the War, but convinced their parents to let them come home.

Created: 7:46 AM 11/10/2009
Last updated: 7:46 AM 11/10/2009