A Message for Freddie

This poignant story revolves around a brief, seemingly insignificant true moment from Roger Chamberlain's own childhood - and it has haunted him for more than 50 years! It comes from a time when post-Second World War austerity and a large American Air Force base cast long shadows over the small North Norfolk seaside town in England where he grew up. As adults we forget that very young minds naturally register everyday images quite differently to us. When Roger's mother adds her own detail to his recollections many years later, there is a sharp shock for all concerned. If only we grown-ups could retain the pure and innocent perceptions of childhood, might we find ourselves living in a very different - and better - world?