CHILDREN from Cutcombe and Timberscombe schools dressed as evacuees – some even had their own home-made gas masks – when they visited Cobbaton Combat Collection.

While at Cobbaton, near Umberleigh in North Devon, the children in class two had a guided tour of the Home Front and the War Front.

They saw real military vehicles and weapons from World War Two as well as trying on authentic military clothing and hearing about butterfly bombs and German incendiary bombs.

On the Home Front, they learned about Anderson and Morrison shelters and what life was like for those left at home.

The World War Two topic continued at school, focusing on rationing and artefacts. The children were able to handle World War Two artefacts including a hand air raid siren, uniforms, maps, ammunition boxes, tent, sleeping bag and an officer’s chair.

They also worked out what clothes to buy over a year with their 36 clothing coupons- and Aden Watkins went into school and baked scones with the children using a war time recipe.

To end the day – and before eating the scones with cream and home-made jam - the pupils learned wartime songs.

The children’s next glimpse into life during World War Two will have a more local theme as they head up to North Hill.

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