Vintage sepia-toned photograph evoking the World War 2 era, representing the history and sacrifice of the 1940s
1939 – 1945

World War 2

for Kids

Discover the incredible stories of bravery, sacrifice and resilience from the biggest conflict in human history. Learn about evacuees, codebreakers, fighter pilots and the everyday heroes of the Home Front.

1939 – 1945
Years the War Lasted
Over 30
Countries Involved
5 Topics
Explore Below
Key Dates

Journey Through the War Years

Follow the key events that shaped World War 2 from start to finish

1
1939

War Begins

Germany invades Poland on 1st September. Two days later, Britain and France declare war on Germany. The world is plunged into conflict.

2
1940

The Battle of Britain

The RAF fights off the German Luftwaffe in the skies above Britain. Operation Dynamo evacuates over 338,000 Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk.

3
1941

America Joins the War

Japan attacks Pearl Harbor on 7th December, bringing the United States into the war. The conflict now truly spans the entire globe.

4
1944

D-Day: The Normandy Landings

On 6th June, Allied forces launch the largest seaborne invasion in history on the beaches of Normandy, France. It marks the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany.

5
1945

Victory and Peace

Germany surrenders on 8th May (VE Day). Japan surrenders on 15th August (VJ Day). After six long years, the war is finally over and the world begins to rebuild.

Amazing WW2 Facts

Incredible World War 2 Facts for Kids

Get ready for some jaw-dropping facts about the biggest war in history!

Fact #1

Ration Book Swaps

Food was rationed during the war, and everyone had a ration book. Each person got about one egg per week! Children got extra milk and orange juice to keep them healthy. Some families kept chickens and grew vegetables to supplement their rations.

Fact #2

Spitfire Speed

The Supermarine Spitfire could fly at speeds of up to 362 miles per hour! It could climb to 20,000 feet in just 6 minutes. Some Spitfire pilots were as young as 18 years old when they first flew into battle.

Fact #3

Animal Evacuees

It wasn't just children who were evacuated! London Zoo moved some of its most dangerous animals, including poisonous snakes and spiders, to a safer location in case a bomb hit the zoo and they escaped into the city!

Fact #4

Pigeon Post

Over 250,000 homing pigeons were used to carry secret messages during the war. One pigeon called “GI Joe” saved over 1,000 British soldiers by delivering a message in just 20 minutes that stopped a bombing raid on a friendly village.

Fact #5

Blackout Nights

During the Blackout, every window had to be covered so no light could be seen from outside. Street lamps were turned off. People painted white stripes on lampposts and kerbs so they could see where they were going in the dark!

Fact #6

Women at Work

With millions of men away fighting, women took on jobs that had previously been done only by men. They worked in factories making planes and weapons, drove ambulances, and even joined the armed forces. Over 640,000 women served in the British forces.

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