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.
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
Follow the monthly posts as they arrive from 75 years ago or
TO READ FROM THE BEGINNING
Click on the first post or
Go to 'Archives' in left hand margin
Click on 'More...'
Click on June 2010
Read from the bottom of the page upwards.
Then click on 'Archives' and 'More..' again
Click on July 2010 etc.
or CATCH UP FAST by reading the Chapter Pages listed at top left on the side bar.
The blog is 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 My Thoughts Travel On, Brad DeLong's Liveblogging World War II and the diaries and journals featured on World War II Today.
NB. This blog includes historical events, originally posted on the day they occurred, which have been attached to the letter posts in Chapters 1 to 10.
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).
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. Also by anyone who is offering a publishing deal!
If you request that the comments won't be published this will be respected.
Your comments, if published, are also covered by copyright law and would need your permission to include them in any further publications.
No e mail addresses will be published unless requested.
'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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