TEACHER RESOURCE PACK
WOEFUL SECOND WORLD WAR
ADAPTED FROM A STORY BY
TERRY DEARY
DIRECTED BY
PHIL CLARK
BIRMINGHAM STAGE COMPANY
1
CONTENTS
PAGE
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3
4
5
13
14
15
16
17
18
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
29
30
CONTENTS
PLAY SYNOPSIS, CHARACTERS AND QUICK SCRIPT QUIZ
SCRIPT EXTRACTS AND ACTIVITIES
SCRIPT EXTRACT
WHAT WAS EVACUATION?
EVACUEE PICTURE RESOURCE
WARTIME PERSUASION: EVACUATION
STAYING AT HOME
MICHAEL'S BACK YARD
POTATO PETE AND WWII FOOD FACTS
FINDING OUT ABOUT THE PAST
COLOUR IN SOLDIER
CREATE A STORYBOARD
COLOUR IN PAGE
POEMS. RHYMES AND SLOGANS
BLACK MARKET MAZE
WARTIME DANCE
WOEFUL WORLD WAR CROSSWORD
WOEFUL WORLD WAR WORDSEARCH
2
PLAY SYNOPSIS
The play tells the story of Alf and Sally, two children growing up in the
blitz in Coventry. Alf's father is a butcher and Alf helps him with the
preparation of the meat in the shop and the complicated ration book
system. Sally is Alf's friend who lives with her mother. Her father is
stationed at Arbroath in the RAF. Eventually the children are evacuated
to Wales to avoid the constant air raids. Alf is taken to live with the
Reverend Rees and Sally is placed at Penlan farm. Sally is very unhappy
on the farm, being made to work very hard and not allowed to go to
school by the farmer. Together they plan to escape with the help of
Alf's father and earn some money on the Black Market in the process.
Unfortunately as they travel back home Coventry is bombed
heavily.........
CHARACTERS
ALF TURNER – a young boy
SALLY MIDWELL – a young girl
TOMMY TURNER -Alf's father and a butcher
PILOT OFFICER ERIC INGRAM
THE REV. REES
ALICE MIDWELL – Sally's mother
A.R.P. OFFICER
MISS SWEET – teacher
ADA PRITCHARD – farmer
QUICK SCRIPT QUIZ
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What are the titles of the comics the children read?
What does Alf give the ARP ofcer?
What kind of moon does Alf's dad talk about?
Where are the children evacuated to?
What kind of factories were there in Coventry? What did they
produce?
6. What kind of soup does Ada have?
7. How much is the fne for showing a light after dark?
8. Where is Sally made to sleep when she is evacuated?
9. Dangerous talk costs ____________?
10.
What is Sally's mother called?
3
SCRIPT EXTRACTS and ACTIVITIES
The following three extracts from the play bring diferent aspects of
the past to life. They can be used to promote discussion
around a variety of issues and topics.
Ask your students to read through the diferent scenes in groups and
then present one to the rest of the class.
Extract 1 is set in Tommy Turner's butcher's shop.
This scene can prompt discussions and exploration in:
•
•
•
•
rationing
blackout
the black market
the role of the ARP and home front
Extract 2 is set in the Anderson shelter.
Ideas for exploration are:
• diferent types of shelters
• what was it like being in a shelter, who would have them and
who would you share with?
• safety precautions taken by all citizens
• munitions factories
• war slogans, phrases and the meaning behind them.
Extract 3 is set in the vicarage and the farm barn, when the children
have been evacuated to Wales from Coventry.
Issues that can be discussed and explored are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
reasons for evacuation
stories of evacuation
gas masks
the diference between city and country life during the blitz
railways
letter writing
children's behaviour, games, entertainment and schooling during
this period
4
EXTRACT 1: THE BACK LIVING ROOM OF THE TURNER’S BUTCHER’S SHOP
Tommy Turner enters carrying the carcass of a pig.
He puts it on the table. He whistles. Alf enters, breathless.
Alf: Hi Dad, want a hand?
Tommy: You’re in a hurry. Anything wrong?
Alf: No. Nothing. What you up to?
Tommy: Just about to cut up this pig ready for tomorrow. When folks hear we’ve had a new
delivery, there’ll be queues past the pub. Here you are son.
Alf: What is it?
Tommy: Sausage and black pudding to eat in the shelter if there’s a raid.
[He exits with the pig carcass]
Alf: Great!
Tommy: [Off] I’ve made a fresh flask of tea, in case.
Alf: You think of everything Dad.
[Dad enters]
Tommy: You got your comics?
Alf: Yeh. I’ve got the latest Beano. There’s a great story about Big Eggo the Ostrich. It’s dead
funny. And I’ve been saving my sweet ration for a week to buy a bag of toffees.
Tommy: Good for you son. Now I need to go out and see a man about some petrol. Best to do it
in the dark when everyone’s off the street.
Alf: Is it black market petrol?
Tommy: I don’t know what you’re talking about! Alf?
Alf: Yes Dad?
Tommy: There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about …
Alf: You want me to do more hours in the shop?
Tommy: … No.
Alf: … I don’t have to go to school anymore?
Tommy: … No … Well … It’s just … Well, things are getting worse round here. The raids are
happening more frequently. I just might have to think about getting you evacuated.
5
Alf: But Dad!
Tommy: It’s for your own safety Alf. Don’t panic. I only said might. And I’d hate to lose you.
[They hug]
Tommy: Now come on. I’ve got to see this bloke.
[Tommy exits. Alf starts to gather stuff in case there’s a raid]
Alf: Food. I’m not going. Comics. He can’t make me. Flask. He needs me here. He’ll not send
me away.
ARP Off: [Off] Put that light out.
Alf: What.
ARP: [Entering] I said put that light out. Look at that! Back door wide open. Light on in the
hall. If enemy planes see that, they’ll drop a bomb straight on your head lad.
Alf: Alright! Keep your helmet on!
[ARP Officer takes out note book to write fine]
ARP: Tommy Turner’s house, isn’t it?
Alf: Yes.
ARP: You must be his lad.
Alf: That’s right.
ARP: Well, you can tell your Dad from me, it’s a two pound fine for showing a light after the hours
of darkness. I’m afraid I’m going to have to report you. And give your father this ticket.
Alf: It’s hardly dark yet. You could let us off just this once.
ARP: More than my job’s worth, young Turner. The law’s the law.
Alf: But two pounds fine! We can’t afford that.
ARP: Then it’s prison.
Alf: Eh! [Thinks] Are you partial to sausages Officer?
ARP: More than partial lad, not that there’s much chance what with rationing and that.
Alf: Black pudding?
ARP: Now you’re talking.
Alf: Well [He waves the food under ARP’s nose]. All these … could … be …. yours … if …
6
ARP: If what?
Alf: If a certain report
[ARP rips up report]
ARP: What report?
[ARP winks at Alf, takes the food and exits].
Alf: Phew. That was close.
EXTRACT 2: THE AIR RAID SHELTER
Alf, Sally and Dad are in the shelter.
Tommy: I couldn’t find our supplies anywhere. Only this flask of tea. What’s happened to those
sausages and black pudding?
[Alf looks guilty]
Sally: Yours was the nearest shelter Mr Turner. Do you mind?
Tommy: Not at all. I’ll find your Mum.
Alf: Be careful Dad.
[Dad exits]
Alf/Sally: I’m being evacuated.
Alf: They’re sending me to Wales.
Sally: Me too. It’s full of cows, n sheep, n …
Alf: I know.
Sally: … n, germs, I’ll hate it. I’m allergic.
Alf: Doesn’t look like we’ve got much choice.
Sally: I know. I could die of germs and fresh air.
Alf: I’ve got a bit of a plan.
Sally: Perhaps we’ll be near each other.
[A bomb drops. Dust. Tommy and Mrs Medwell rush into the shelter]
Tommy: Found her.
Mrs Medwell: That was close.
Sally: You all right Mum?
Mrs Medwell: Fine.
[There is a silence. Bombs drop]
7
Tommy: Look, I know you’re not happy about going to Wales.
Mrs Medwell: But it’s for the best.
Tommy: Honest.
Mrs Medwell: We all have to do our bit for the war effort.
Tommy: And that includes you.
[Pause. Tension].
Alf: Dad?
Tommy: Yes ..?
Alf: Can I take my football?
Tommy: No point son. They play rugby in Wales.
Alf: But I could still take my football.
Sally: And Mum, can I take my comics? I’ll need my Girls Crystal.
Mrs Medwell: Of course.
Sally: And I’ll write every day.
[Silence. Bombs].
Tommy: Can’t think where that black pudding went. Tea anyone?
[He starts to whistle].
[They all pick up on the tune and they begin to sing a song as they drink their tea].
[Sally falls asleep in her mother’s arms].
Alf: Dad
Tommy: Yes lad.
Alf: [Whispering] I’ve had this idea.
Tommy: Oh yes.
Mrs Medwell: They say there’s worse to come you know.
Tommy: Ai.
Mrs Medwell: And we’re a sitting target with all the munition factories round Coventry.
Tommy: We’ll have to watch out next bombers’ moon.
Alf: What’s a bombers’ moon Dad?
Tommy: Well, pilots like a full moon so they can see what they’re bombing. The lads in the garage
said …
8
Mrs Medwell: Be careful now Tommy Turner, you know what they say – “Careless talk costs
lives” –
Tommy: Ai I know. “Loose lips might sink ships”
Mrs Medwell: … and “Tittle tattle lost the battle”
[Bombs]
Alf: [Whispering] Dad.
Tommy: Yes?
Alf: About my idea.
Tommy: What’s that then son?
Alf: Well, if I’m going to Wales.
Tommy: Yes?
Alf: On a farm ..
Tommy: Yes?
Alf: Well … Cows ‘n sheep n …
Tommy: You’re not daft for a little ‘un.
Alf: So … I could do a deal with the farmer for a couple of sheep … the odd cow maybe … you
drive over in the van ..
Tommy: And I make a fortune selling them back here!
Alf: What do you think?
Tommy: You’re not …
Mrs Medwell: Black Market I’d say!
Tommy: Now, now, Mrs Medwell. Dangerous talk costs lives.
Alf: The trick is Dad ..
Tommy: Yes?
Alf: Not to get caught.
Mrs Medwell: Loose lips … [She winks]
[Alf and Tommy smile and begin to laugh. Eventually Mrs Medwell joins them]. [The all clear
sounds]. 9
EXTRACT 3: THE VICARAGE AND THE FARM/BARN
This is a split scene as both Alf and Sally are introduced to their new homes. The Vicarage is tidy
and ordered. The farm is a rubble.
Rev: Come on in lad. This will be your new home.
Alf: Thank you Sir
Ada: Here you are girl.
Sally: Where?
Ada: Your new home.
Rev: You have your own room.
Alf: Thank you Sir.
Rev: Keep it clean and tidy.
Sally: But it’s a barn.
Ada: Well, you didn’t expect to share the farm house did you girl?
Sally: Where’s the bed?
Ada: Bed? You’ve got a barn full of straw. Why do you need a bed?
Rev: You’ll attend the local school.
Alf: Yes Sir.
Rev: It’s a church school. Church in Wales, that is.
Ada: Tonight I’ll cook. In future, you will do all the cooking. You do do cookery in the slums, I
suppose?
Sally: Yes, we learn at school. We learn from Potato Pete.
Ada: Is that what you call your teacher? Shocking?
Sally: No. Potato Pete is a cartoon man on the posters. He teaches us how to cook potatoes.
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Alf: Will I understand?
Rev: What do you mean?
Alf: The language?
Rev: Oh don’t worry boy. We all speak English when we have to.
Ada: We’ve more than potatoes here girl. We have crow pie, squirrel tail soup. Now, here’s your
lantern.
Rev: There’ll be church three times on Sunday. Morning service, Sunday School and Evensong.
Ada: Your Mother was told to pack you sandwiches, so won’t need to feed you tonight.
Rev: You may go to your room.
Sally: Excuse me, but where’s the toilet?
Rev: And say your prayers and thanks to God as a good Christian.
Ada: There’s a bucket in the corner.
[The Rev and Ada exit. Sally is left in lantern light, Alf sitting in his bleak bedroom. They begin to
write their letters home]
Sally: Dear Mum.
Alf: Dear Dad.
Sally: Can I come home?
Alf: Disaster.
Sally: They’ve put me with the cows.
Alf: I’m with a Vicar.
Sally: On a farm.
Alf: In a village
Sally: In a barn.
11
Alf: Not on a farm.
Sally: The farmer’s wife is worse than the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz, and uglier.
Alf: But don’t panic, Dad. I’ll find a way to get the meat.
Sally: And crueller. I have to sleep in a barn.
Alf: I have to go to Church.
Sally: With rats.
Alf: And say my prayers.
Sally: I miss you so much, Mum.
Alf: I’ll ring you Dad when I’ve sorted a plan.
Sally: All my love.
Alf: Missing you.
Sally: Sally.
Alf: Alf.
Sally: Lots of kisses.
[They put their letters in their envelopes]
Sally: Mrs Pritchard.
Alf: Rev. Rees.
[They enter]
Sally: Will you post my letter.
Alf: Home please.
Ada: Give it here, slum girl.
Rev: Certainly young Alf.
[The Rev and Ada open the letter and read]
Rev: Oh dear. Oh dear, young Alf. This will never do. Oh dear me, no.
Ada: Like a witch am I, slum girl? So what would a witch do with a nasty letter like this?
[The Rev and Ada rip up the letters]
12
WHAT WAS EVACUATION?
Britain expected its cities to be bombed. Plans were carried out to
move children from the cities to foster homes in the countryside. As
soon as war was declared the evacuation process began by bus and
train. Children took with them a suitcase, their gas mask and a packed
lunch.
Evacuation of children from dangerous areas meant a great adventure
for many children who had never been away from home before, not
even for a holiday. Most went with their teacher; very young children
went with their mothers. Over four days, 1.9 million people were
evacuated as part of the government scheme. Most of these were
children in school parties; others were expectant mothers, disabled
and vulnerable people. When the children set of they didn't know where they would be going.
Parents were not allowed to see their children of at railway stations as
this would cause crowding on the platforms and distress to mothers
and children.
The way of life that they met in the countryside was very diferent to
what the children were accustomed to. Some enjoyed their new
lifestyle, others did not. In the play Sally is taken to a farm, she hates
it and is made to work on the farm with all its animals.
EVACUATION QUESTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
How many children were evacuated during the war?
How did they travel to the countryside?
What jobs were there to do on a farm?
Not all children would have gone to a farm, where else could
they have gone?
5. Who may have gone with the children when they were evacuated?
6. Who else could have been evacuated?
7. Why couldn't parents see of their children at the railway station?
8. How long were children evacuated for?
9. Why were children evacuated?
10.
Why did children have gas masks issued to them?
13
EVACUEE – PICTURE RESOURCE
Anne is three years old she is evacuated from Liverpool to Southport
in 1940.
This picture shows what she took with her.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What do you think they tell us about Anne?
Why did her mother put in the cake mix?
Can you find some photographs of children being evacuated?
Can you think and describe what the feelings were of an evacuated child?
How would you feel if you were evacuated?
14
Wartime persuasion: evacuation
DON'T do it, Mother -
LEAVE THE CHILDREN WHERE THEY ARE
Issued by the Ministry of Health
(drawing based on an original poster design)
• What message do you think this poster gives?
• Why do you think that it is addressed to mothers?
• Why do you think that the designer made Hitler a faint outline?
• Find other wartime posters.
15
STAYING AT HOME
In the play Alf stays at home in Coventry longer than other children
before he is evacuated, why do you think this is?
Another boy that was not evacuated during the war was Michael
Foreman, author and illustrator. He wrote about his war experiences
in Lowestoft, where his mother ran a shop. This is an extract from his
book War Boy.
“We had no garden. The tiny yard at
the back was flled with sacks of
potatoes, carrots and turnips. Even
our big tin bath on the coal bunker
was full of cabbages and
caulifowers from one Saturday
night to the next.
The shop, then, was the
playground of my toddler years.
That the shop was perpetually full
of soldiers and sailors seemed quite
normal to me. In 1940 the whole
world seemed full of soldiers and sailors.”
• What information does his extract give us about the author's life
in wartime Britain?
• Find Lowestoft on a map. Discuss why you think it was a frontline target throughout the war.
• Find Coventry on a map. Discuss why you think it was a target
during the war.
• Find Dresden on a map. Discuss why you think that was a target
for the allied forces during the war.
• Why do you think that Michael was not evacuated?
• Draw Michael's backyard on the sheet provided.
16
Michael's back yard
NAME____________________________________
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Potato Pete and WWII Food Facts
During Sally and Alf's railway journey, Sally mentions Potato Pete,
a cartoon character that was used to persuade people to eat
potatoes during the war.
Potatoes help to protect you from illness. Potatoes give you
warmth and energy. Potatoes are cheap and homeproduced. So why stop at serving them once a day? Have
them twice, or even three times – for breakfast, dinner and
supper.
www.mylearning.org/jpage.asp?jpageid=655&journeyid=175
www.mylearning.org/image-zoom.asp?picid=4&jpageid=656
These two links above have excellent resources and ideas for cross curricular ideas
based around food and rationing during World War II. If you cannot visit the website
here are a couple of ideas from there:
Literacy: Persuasive Writing
P's for Protection Potatoes afford;
O's for the Ounces of Energy stored;
T's for Tasty, and Vitamins rich In;
A's for the Art to be learnt in the Kitchen;
T's for Transport we need not demand
O's for Old England's Own Food from the Land;
E's for the Energy eaten by you;
S's for the Spuds which will carry us through!
18
•
•
•
•
•
Using the format on page 18, devise another for different
vegetables or fruit for 2009.
In groups or as individuals pupils should devise a ‘Food Facts’
advert of their own for 2009, linked to a healthy eating agenda.
Invent a food character for 2009 using ‘Potato Pete’ as a model.
Role play or write and film a food TV advert for 1940 using
information from the ‘Food Facts’.
Use the doggerel rhymes below as models and come up with a new
rhyme for 2009 to persuade people to eat healthily.
Eat the foods that give protection
And you need not fear infection;
But can mix on equal terms
With the most outrageous germs!
Reflect, whenever you indulge,
It is not beautiful to bulge.
A large, untidy corporation
Is far from helpful to the Nation.
A TYPICAL BREAKFAST POTATO DISH FROM POTATO PETE
PARSLEY POTATO CAKES
Boil 1lb. Potatoes and mash them while hot with a very little hot
milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Next morning, add a table-spoonful chopped parsley. Shape the
mixture into little cakes, cover well with browned breadcrumbs and
pan fry in a little hot fat, or bake in the oven.
Literacy: Instructions
•
•
•
Hold a World War Two day with the pupils cooking lunch from the
recipes.
Experiment and make up recipes for the present day based on
eating priorities now (healthy eating).
Produce a leaflet or recipe book with these. This could link with
food technology work.
19
Finding out about the past
NAME______________________
At six years old did you have?
ME
television
Washing
machine
stereo
DVD player
MP3 player
car
PARENT
yes
no
GRAND_________
GREAT
grand__________
WWII soldier colour in page
21
WOEFUL SECOND WORLD WAR STORYBOARD
NAME____________________________________
This is a storyboard of the play. We have started with a beginning picture of the
story, and included one to represent the end. Draw pictures in the boxes provided
to show other important stages of the story. Write a caption for each one.
22
Colour in page
23
POEMS, RHYMES and SLOGANS
The Government tried to persuade people to eat certain things or do
things to help the war efort by writing memorable poems that they
could recite and would stay in their heads. Sally and Alf recite a few
within the play. Some poems, songs and slogans are listed below,
explain what you think each one means and draw a picture of the
message for each one.
Careless talk costs lives
----------------------------------------------------
Loose lips might sink ships
Tittle tattle lost the battle
-------------------------------------
24
If you’ve news of our munitions
Keep it dark.
Ships or planes or troops positions
Keep it dark.
Lives are lost through conversation.
Here’s a tip for the duration.
When you’ve private information.
Keep it dark.
Auntie threw her rinds away.
To the lock-up she was taken.
There she is and there she'll stay
Till she learns to save her bacon.
When fsher folk are brave enough
To face the mines and foe for you
You surely can be bold enough
To try a kind of fsh that's new.
Think about all the things that were required during the war
efort. Can you make up your own rhyme, poem or slogan to
help out?
25
Help Alf get the right things from the black market
F
H
B C
G
A
D
E
STEAK
EGGS
COAL
CLOTHES
PETROL
BOMB
BOMB
CHOCOLATE
Make a list of the things that you may fnd on the black
market.
26
WARTIME DANCE
Swing Jive, Jitterbug and Lindy Hop were dances popular in World War
II. The site below has a video demonstration of dance steps.
www.dancetutor.com/swingpre.htm
You can also research the history of the dances at these sites below:
www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/61/a2553761
www.madeinatlantis.com/popular_culture/glamor/wartime_dance_hall
s.htm
www.swingdanceandlindyhop.com/articles/world-war-ii-music.shtml
Below are basic wartime dance step directions and 2
diagrams depicting the basic jive triple and double.
Dance Directions
Men's Steps
(Woman is facing the man in either open or closed dance
position) 1 - 2. Step side left with the LF (S) 3 - 4. Step in place
with the RF (S) 5. Step in back of the right heel with the LF (Q)
6.Step in place with the RF (Q)
Women's Steps
(Man is facing the woman in either open or closed dance
position) 1 - 2. Step side right with the RF (S) 3 - 4. Step in place
with the LF (S) 5. Step in back of the left heel with the RF (Q) 6.
Step in place with the LF (Q)
Abbreviations: RF Right Foot LF Left Foot (S) Slow Step, 2 beats
of music (Q) Quick Step, 1 beat of music Each number represents a
beat of music.
Music for practice: In The Mood - Glenn Miller
Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
- Wham Baby Come Back - Manhattan Transfer
Zoot Suit Riot - Cherry Poppin' Daddies Jump Jive An' Wail - Brian
Setzer Orchestra
27
JIVE DIAGRAMS
28
THE WOEFUL SECOND WORLD WAR CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1.
How much were men paid to join the armed forces at the beginning of World
War Two?
5.
These were invented to stop planes from dive bombing.
7.
The initials LDV stood for which group?
8.
What could only be rung as a sign of invasion?
13.
Name of the leader of the Nazi party.
14.
Who was the prime minister at the start of the World War Two?
DOWN
2.
Where did over 200,000 Londoners shelter during the air raids?
3.
Which country did Germany invade that caused Britain to declare war?
4.
Who became the British prime minister in 1940?
6.
The period of the air raids was commonly know as “The _________”?
9.
Which American harbour did the Japanese bomb in 1941?
10.
Children moved from the city to the countryside were known as ____________
11.
To get food you required one of these.
12.
What was promised to be issued to every child during 1938?
15.
Which country started of as a German ally and then switched sides?
29
THE WOEFUL SECOND WORLD WAR WORDSEARCH
30