A true story from World War 2
"Sir, more than kisses, letters mingle souls." John Donne 1598
Richard Kelner Williams was born on the 28th July 1921 at Orpington in Kent and attended Simon Langton School in Canterbury before his family moved to 'Fairhaven' in Orchard Avenue, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset.
He met my mother, Barbara Chalkley, at the Parkstone Congregational Church youth club, opposite her home in the old Creekmoor Dairy (51, Commercial Road, Parkstone, Poole). She was just fourteen when they became 'sweethearts'.
Two years later, on 21st June 1940, he enrolled in the Territorial Army at Weymouth, joining the 6th Bath & Dorset Regiment.
This is his story, told in the letters he wrote to his 'Chotie', throughout the war, with added historical background, which I continue to research.
Each of Dick's letters have been published on this website, www.chotiedarling.co.uk, subject to my copyright, 70 years after they were written. Monthly summaries from 75 years ago follow, starting with June 1940.
"A wonderful blog project where the love letters of Lt. R.K. Williams to his wartime sweetheart are being released in real time 70 years to the day of their writing. A wonderful resource and insight into war-time experiences" Ponderings and Musings
"......recreating history in real time. What a great idea! Be sure to follow Chotie Darling to see WWII unfold before your very eyes through the eyes of Dicker & Chotie." Essays and Ephemera
"Chotie kept every letter from her sweetheart Richard ('Dicker') Williams - they tell their story of World War II in the time that it happened, 70 years ago. Chotie's daughter writes this compelling blog of love letters, posted in real time, accompanied by real life historical background. You don't have to be a history buff to love this blog; the letters are an amazing window into a relationship - and a time - long passed." Thoughtleaders
TO READ FROM THE BEGINNING
Click on the first post and then 'next post'
or
Go to Archives in left hand margin
Click on 'June 2010' (NB June 1940 = June 2010, January 1945 = January 2015, etc)
Read posts from the bottom of the page upwards.
Then click on 'Archives' again (or 'next month')
Click on July 2010 etc.
To read monthly summaries, including the history of WW2, start with June 1940 (posted 75 years later in June 2015)
or CATCH UP FAST by reading the Chapter Pages listed at top left on the side bar, which cover 1940 to D Day.
An extract from each letter was originally posted on Twitter and these can be found on the Chapter pages, together with the people or culture (books, theatre, films, etc) mentioned in the letters.
The blog has been promoted by the Historical Association as a resource for both primary and secondary teaching and includes historical events posted 75 years after they occurred.
Other living history blogs from World War 2 include Brad DeLong's Liveblogging World War II and the diaries and journals featured on World War II Today. The BBC's People's War Project is also highly recommended.
This blog includes historical events, originally posted on the corresponding day they occurred. This is a 'slow history' project (possibly the first), publishing letters and history in real time.
Local History for Dorset is described for the years Chotie still lived there before she joined the ATS in January 1943 (although earlier posts were removed Dorset history is included with monthly summaries up to December 1942).
Since 2023 I have been able to visit some of the places Dick would have fought in after D Day. These are featured in Reconnaissance Remembrance chapters.
Comments are welcome on the website but will be moderated. No commercial ads will be accepted, except for charities, good causes or content of intellectual interest relevant to the post. No unlicensed copyrighted material please. Also please avoid any sexual, violent or criminal content, racism, threats, harassment or personal privacy violations.
Comments can also be used to contact me by anyone who can add detail to Dick's story or would like further information. If you request that the comments won't be published this will be respected. Names will be withheld on request. No e mail addresses will be published unless requested.
Your comments, if published, are also covered by copyright law and would need your permission to include them in any further publications.
Acknowledgements: Many people have helped me with historical information or family history. Thank you everyone. In particular I am grateful to the 61st Reconnaissance Living History Group and the dear departed veterans of 61st Recce, and their families, it has been my privilege to befriend.
'Chotie Darling' is dedicated to the memory of my mother
and all those who hold the forever young of war in their hearts
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