Americans queuing to try and leave Britain, September 1939

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Americans queuing to try and leave Britain, September 1939

American nationals queuing outside the United States Lines offices in a n attempt to return home, following the outbreak of war in September 1939. United States Lines operated a number of transatlantic ocean liners as well as cargo ships at the time.
September 1939

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Media ID 23267006

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

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EDITORS COMMENTS
September 1939: Americans Queuing to Escape the Looming Threats of War in Europe Amidst the ominous clouds of war, a long queue of anxious Americans formed outside the United States Lines offices in London, September 1939. The outbreak of World War II had sent ripples of fear and uncertainty across Europe, prompting many American nationals to make a desperate bid for home. The United States Lines, a prominent transatlantic shipping company at the time, operated a fleet of ocean liners and cargo ships that offered a lifeline for those seeking to leave the conflict behind. The queue outside the offices was a testament to the company's importance in this critical moment in history. As the first bombs fell on Poland, the sense of urgency grew. Men, women, and children stood patiently in the line, their faces etched with worry and determination. They clutched their belongings tightly, knowing that the journey ahead would be long and uncertain. The transatlantic voyage was a voyage of hope and fear. Hope for a return to safety and security, and fear of the unknown. The ships that would carry them home were more than just vessels; they were symbols of freedom and salvation. The scene outside the United States Lines offices was a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. It was a moment of mass migration, driven not by choice but by necessity. The Americans in the queue were not just leaving Britain; they were leaving behind a world on the brink of chaos and destruction. This photograph, taken by the Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans, captures the essence of that moment in history. It is a powerful reminder of the human spirit and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones and secure a future filled with hope and promise.

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