with David Bickerton

In his talk, PARENTS AT WAR, David tells the story of his parents’ wartime experiences through some 150 letters he discovered. These letters, full of passion, were written between 1942 and 1945.

His father, Don, is in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and is serving on HMS Dorsetshire during the sinking of the Bismarck. Then, at 25, he commands an armed Motor Launch. His mother, Linda, is in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and a radar operator, including during the D-Day landings.

The author discovers that when his parents met in 1942, they had an intense relationship and soon became engaged. David also shares his parents’ experiences and involvement in the war effort.

After nearly three years, Don returned home, and ten days later, he and Linda entered a lifetime marriage.

As well as examining his parents’ relationship and the war's progress, the author explores the social history of the forties based on topics discussed in the letters, detailing films seen in the cinema, books read and the swing music which was part of their daily life.

Last Updated on 7th January 2025