The impact of the evacuation and occupation experience, 1940-1945, on the lives and relationships of Guernsey children and Guernsey society

Smith, Corral Ann (2005). The impact of the evacuation and occupation experience, 1940-1945, on the lives and relationships of Guernsey children and Guernsey society. PhD thesis The Open University.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21954/ou.ro.0000e957

Abstract

This research attempts to integrate psychology and history drawing in particular on narrative psychology and the life history interview supported by secondary source information and using the principles of grounded theory (Strauss and Corbin 1990) as the tool for analysis.

This thesis explores ways in which the evacuation and occupation of Guernsey during 1940-1945 impacted upon the lives and relationships of Guernsey children and Guernsey society.

The psychological perspective provided an insight into the way in which narrative is constructed and the significance of the role of story telling in creating history. Memory was considered an important variable in this research and its influence has been discussed.

Analysis of data collected indicates that a new narrative has emerged which challenges the existing official narrative and that individuals who perceive themselves to be disadvantaged by a situation and perceive that others have benefited from the same situation will view the other negatively, especially if feelings are acted out in a climate of suspicion or blame.

Findings also presented evidence of many common features of the removal and separation experience of children from their homes and families. In a minority of cases the effects of separation were disabling and difficult to escape from unaided. For the majority it was a cathartic experience.

This research concludes that family relationships and dynamics were affected following the separation experience with father and child and sibling relationships experiencing the most damage. The presence of competent and resourceful substitute carers can and did provide a buffer against trauma.

This research has expanded and enriched the evacuation and occupation story by incorporating the previously unheard voice of those who were children and experienced that period of history.