What was Alan Kelly's experience at the Lake District orphanage?

Alan Kelly experienced physical punishments, withheld family contact, and emotional neglect during his four years as a child evacuee at the Hawes End orphanage.

How did Alan Kelly learn of his father's death?

Alan Kelly learned of his father's death at sea from the headmaster of the orphanage, Mr. Tingle, an event his mother had not fully disclosed to him.

What is the current state of Hawes End orphanage?

Hawes End orphanage has been transformed into an outdoor activity center for children.

Home / War and Conflict / WWII Evacuee's Haunting Return to Cruel Orphanage

WWII Evacuee's Haunting Return to Cruel Orphanage

26 Apr

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Summary

A 90-year-old man revisited the orphanage where he was sent as an evacuee.
He endured harsh punishments and denied family contact during four years of abuse.
He carries lifelong pain from his father's death and his mother's silence.

WWII Evacuee's Haunting Return to Cruel Orphanage

Alan Kelly, now 90, revisited Hawes End, an orphanage in the Lake District where he spent four years as a child evacuee during World War Two. Sent from Liverpool at age six in 1941, Kelly endured a difficult childhood under headmaster Mr. Tingle, describing the institution as a place of severe physical punishment and emotional neglect.

Kelly recounted instances of cruel discipline, including being denied basic necessities and suffering physical punishment. Family communications were reportedly never delivered, deepening his isolation. A particularly traumatic memory involves learning of his father's death at sea from Mr. Tingle, information his mother had withheld for some time.