After the war and the German bombings began, the London children were sent to the countryside. With a heavy heart, Lila had to leave her parents. She came to the village of Steeple Morden north of London.

Her host family did not treat her well. There was not enough food and she was beaten. Packages from her parents were not given to her. Her letters to London were not sent. When her mother finally took her back, she was overjoyed.