In 1934 Fred Clayton visited Vienna to brush up on his German and to take in the culture of that city. He stayed with a Jewish widow and her sons. Little did he know that this visit would shape his life. They lost touch after some time, but then, after Kristalnacht in November 1938, he … Continue reading “The redeeming act of my life” – the Kindertransport 80 years on
Tag: Dresden
How the book began …
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 …
Dreams of Dresden – A synopsis
In 1942 Secker and Warburg published a novel by first-time novelist Fred Clayton under the pseudonym Frank Clare entitled The Cloven Pine. Described as a “remarkable first book” by E. M. Forster, The Cloven Pine depicted German boys as creatures to be pitied and loved, as much victims of the Nazis as the British and … Continue reading Dreams of Dresden – A synopsis
Weekly update (1 March) – Friends of God
It was a huge privilege to be in Dresden as the city marked 70 years since the bombings. It was both a sombre time of acknowledging deep hurt, but also a celebration of the most unlikely friendship that has sprung up between former enemies. This, as Archbishop Justin said, is miraculous. It’s a picture of … Continue reading Weekly update (1 March) – Friends of God
A personal story of reconciliation
Tomorrow I travel 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 the cathedral … Continue reading A personal story of reconciliation
Halwill Publishing 