Stories from a War Hero

This blog is dedicated to my father, William J Tudhope, who was a sergeant in the King’s Regiment during World War 2. My father died in 1988 and although I grew up listening to his stories about his childhood and the army, I never really knew the details of his exploits until I read his autobiographical writing – many years after his death. I knew he was Mentioned in Dispatches, but I did not know the extent of his bravery until I read the details for myself. Having recently met a holocaust survivor has added poignancy to the account; I have always felt proud of my father but I came face to face with someone who represented what William fought for, and I feel even more proud of him.

William was born and raised in Seaforth, Liverpool. With his wife, Mary he raised eight children and the Tudhope family now extends to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many of whom have remained in the Liverpool area, but some are scattered across Britain and beyond. Some have followed him into the British forces; all, I am, sure, will be fascinated to read about him – whether they knew him or not – and connect with their heritage.

Mary Patrick (nee Tudhope), December 2012