Today, 21st September, is the 80th anniversary of the death of my great-uncle Götz, who became one of the first casualties of the 2nd World War. He was just 18.  Here is the story, as featured in my as-yet unpublished book, "Dreams of Dresden", which tells the true story of Rike and Fred, my remarkable grandparents. … Continue reading The death of Götz Büttner-Wobst, 80 years on

On 13 February 1945 Dresden was destroyed by Allied bombs. British and American planes brought death from the sky. 25,000 perished. This had a traumatic impact on both of my grandparents, Fred and Rike. Fred loved Dresden and the people of Dresden, and he had prophetic nightmares that the city would be destroyed by fire … Continue reading The bombing of Dresden – the nightmares come true

2019 marks 60 years since Coventry and Dresden became twin cities. As part of the celebrations I was so pleased to be invited to come and read excerpts of “Dreams of Dresden” at the Kreuzkirche, Dresden yesterday (11th February) for their service, Prayer for Peace. Andy March traces the life of his grandfather Frederick Clayton. … Continue reading Building bridges and living reconciliation

In February 2015 I travelled to Dresden, Germany as part of a party from Coventry to join in with the commemorations marking 70 years since that city was bombed.  The two cities were both (along with many others) devastated by bombing in the course of World War II.  After Coventry was bombed in 1940, leaving … Continue reading How the book began …