4th Aug 1914 · 7th Jan 1915 Podcast Storyline

Frontline Folkestone

345 min Play story

Keeping the peace at home as soldiers depart and return

  1. 4th August 1914

    Scene 1 of 1

    1. War is imminent

      Kitty voices concerns for Germans resident in Folkestone and the rest of the UK if war breaks out, but her worries have a deeper cause

      • On this day At 11 o’clock at night, Britain declared war on Germany

      Characters

  2. 5th August 1914

    Scene 1 of 2

    1. Soldiers let off steam

      Councillor Gabriel fears shortages and boisterous soldiers will interfere with Folkestone's tourist business

      • On this day Lord Kitchener became Secretary of State for War

      Characters

    2. Lunch at the Grand

      Gabriel, his aristocratic wife and their soldier son Freddie discuss the coming crisis - and suspect Dieter's nationality - over a lavish lunch

      • The Grand Hotel, Folkestone
      • On this day Lord Kitchener became Secretary of State for War

      Characters

  3. 15th August 1914

    Scene 1 of 1

    1. A sister's promise

      Freddie makes Isabel promise not to blame herself for the missing boys, and in return makes his mother hire Esme Macknade

      • The Harbour, Folkestone
      • On this day Two Austrians in Kent were sentenced to three months hard labour for being enemy aliens

      Characters

  4. 18th August 1914

    Scene 1 of 5

    1. Frontline Folkestone

      Archie voices concerns of local businesses that wartime measures are ruining the tourist trade

      • On this day American President Wilson issued his ‘Proclamation of Neutrality’

      Characters

    2. Council faces crisis

      Gabriel fails to reassure a combative London journalist that the council can cope with local problems, Belgian refugees and a threatened German attack

      • On this day American President Wilson issued his ‘Proclamation of Neutrality’

      Characters

    3. Inspiration strikes Hilary

      Beset by Bill Macknade and Archie's complaints of empty guesthouses, Hilary senses a way of turning bad news to good

      • British Lion, Folkestone
      • On this day American President Wilson issued his ‘Proclamation of Neutrality’

      Characters

    4. Hilary takes charge of the news

      Hilary persuades Parsons to write about the town's search for the lost boys rather than an "unpatriotic" attack on the council

      • On this day American President Wilson issued his ‘Proclamation of Neutrality’

      Characters

    5. A modest proposal

      Hilary, proving an increasingly smooth operator, realises the town's problem with refugees and empty guesthouses can cancel each other out

      • On this day American President Wilson issued his ‘Proclamation of Neutrality’

      Characters

  5. 19th August 1914

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. Victor is restless

      Left behind by his colleagues, the injured Victor tells his subordinate, horse doctor and would-be procurer about Kitty

      • On this day The Kaiser referred to the British Expeditionary Force as a ‘contemptible little army’, giving rise to their nickname The Old Contemptibles

      Characters

    2. Aunt Sylvia has a plan

      Victor is bullied by his aunt on matters of Belgian refugees and of romance

      • On this day The Kaiser referred to the British Expeditionary Force as a ‘contemptible little army’, giving rise to their nickname The Old Contemptibles

      Characters

    3. What's hiding in the cellar?

      Mr Martindale informs Victor and the soldiers about Hans, the German hiding in the hotel cellar.

      • On this day The Kaiser referred to the British Expeditionary Force as a ‘contemptible little army’, giving rise to their nickname The Old Contemptibles

      Characters

  6. 27th August 1914

    Scene 1 of 7

    1. News from the front

      Gabriel reads news from the front, and ponders his committee speech: Esme is now working for the Grahams

      • The dining room, Grahams' House
      • On this day The first British War wounded arrived home

      Characters

    2. A VIP visit

      Hilary tells Gabriel and Sylvia of an informal visit by Asquith, and reports that the first wounded have arrived back in Folkestone

      • Gabriel's study, Grahams' House
      • On this day The first British War wounded arrived home

      Characters

    3. The wounded return

      The first wounded soldiers to return seem in good spirits, but Gabriel is troubled by the paucity of news from the front

      • The Harbour, Folkestone
      • On this day The first British War wounded arrived home

      Characters

    4. Gabriel gives his speech

      Gabriel takes his wife's advice on emphasising local comradeship in his speech

      • On this day The first British War wounded arrived home

      Characters

    5. A triumph

      Full of his own success, Gabriel decides to walk home along the front

      • On this day The first British War wounded arrived home

      Characters

    6. No law against poetry

      The two men share their love of verse while listening to the waves break - and the distant sound of guns from France

      • The Beach, Folkestone
      • On this day The first British War wounded arrived home

      Characters

    7. The maimed officer

      Gabriel talks to an officer who has lost a leg: the more severely wounded arrive after dark: Hilary walks him home

      • On this day The first British War wounded arrived home

      Characters

  7. 28th August 1914

    Scene 1 of 1

    1. Dorothea's second idea

      The two pragmatists, Dorothea and Hilary, come up with more measures to ease the refugees' anguish

      • On this day British forces were victorious in their first naval battle at Heligoland Bight

      Characters

  8. 29th August 1914

    Scene 1 of 8

    1. The day of the cake sale

      Albert grumbles about being volunteered for fundraising duty by Florrie: Adam tries to cadge cake

      • On this day The Women’s Defence Relief Corp was founded

      Characters

    2. The Cake Sale begins

      Sylvia is in her element presiding over the cake sale; Kitty's pregnancy is starting to show

      • St Jude's Church, Folkestone
      • On this day The Women’s Defence Relief Corp was founded

      Characters

    3. A false accusation

      Sylvia accuses Jessie of stealing cakes, and even though she is in the wrong, Jessie is compelled to apologise

      • St Jude's Church, Folkestone
      • On this day The Women’s Defence Relief Corp was founded

      Characters

    4. The green-eyed monster

      Ivy chats to Albert about the performing arts and invites the Wilsons to the theatre, but Florrie is having none of it

      • St Jude's Church, Folkestone
      • On this day The Women’s Defence Relief Corp was founded

      Characters

    5. Shaming the unenlisted

      Sylvia enlists Florrie in showing able-bodied men who haven't signed up her disapproval

      • St Jude's Church, Folkestone
      • On this day The Women’s Defence Relief Corp was founded

      Characters

    6. Adam's upset

      Adam insists that Albert informs the police about his suspicions of the German consul

      • St Jude's Church, Folkestone
      • On this day The Women’s Defence Relief Corp was founded

      Characters

    7. Albert examines the shoe

      Albert does not recognise the shoe, and tells Forrester of his feelings about his lost son.

      • On this day The Women’s Defence Relief Corp was founded

      Characters

    8. Good news from abroad

      Ivy sings at the Cake Sale, and Gabriel announces a naval victory: Florrie and Albert kiss and make up

      • St Jude's Church, Folkestone
      • On this day The Women’s Defence Relief Corp was founded

      Characters

  9. 1st September 1914

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. Albert and Florrie disagree

      Albert urges Florrie not to shame men into joining, up, reminding her that their Jack is an adult in the army's eyes

      • Albert's Signal Box, Folkestone
      • On this day A meeting was held in Folkestone about reviving the Boy Scout movement

      Characters

    2. The White Feather Society is formed

      Florrie and her friend Hilda are dragooned into shaming men into enlisting by the formidable Sylvia

      • The Leas, Folkestone
      • On this day A meeting was held in Folkestone about reviving the Boy Scout movement

      Characters

    3. An embarrassing encounter

      Florrie gives Hilary a white feather, but he points out he is engaged in the war effort with the council

      • The Leas, Folkestone
      • On this day A meeting was held in Folkestone about reviving the Boy Scout movement

      Characters

  10. 2nd September 1914

    Scene 1 of 2

    1. Ralph and Hilary confer

      Ralph and Hilary discuss the White Feather Club, restarting the cub scouts, and other issues

      • The kitchen, Vicarage
      • On this day The French government decamped for its own safety from Paris to Bordeaux

      Characters

    2. Between two women

      As Dorothea's work with the refugees expands to include a newspaper, she pushes Ralph towards Isabel

      • St Jude's Church, Folkestone
      • On this day The French government decamped for its own safety from Paris to Bordeaux

      Characters

  11. 4th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 7

    1. Police on Patrol

      The two policemen discuss wartime tensions and crime until their quiet patrol is interrupted by Jessie

      • The Leas, Folkestone
      • On this day Lord Alfred Douglas escaped a self-imposed exile in Paris

      Characters

    2. The dogfight

      Adam is walking a dachshund, a German dog, which is another excuse for the Macknades to attack

      • The Leas, Folkestone
      • On this day Lord Alfred Douglas escaped a self-imposed exile in Paris

      Characters

    3. Foolish prejudice

      The policeman tells Adam he can't escape stupid people, and he can't go to the harbour to watch the wounded either

      • On this day Lord Alfred Douglas escaped a self-imposed exile in Paris

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    4. No peace for the peacekeepers

      Norman and Monk are called to the harbour on another emergency

      • The cells, Police Station
      • On this day Lord Alfred Douglas escaped a self-imposed exile in Paris

      Characters

    5. A Wilde connection

      Lord Alfred 'Bosie' Douglas returns to Folkestone and demands to be arrested - before he goes to the Savoy

      • On this day Lord Alfred Douglas escaped a self-imposed exile in Paris

      Characters

    6. "Green carnation boys"

      The policemen's response to Bosie range from discomfort to disgust to a fear his homosexuality might be 'catching'

      • The cells, Police Station
      • On this day Lord Alfred Douglas escaped a self-imposed exile in Paris

      Characters

    7. A grandstanding speech

      Bosie exonerates himself, although the police remain indifferent; Forrester reveals the boys found in London were not Sam and Jimmy

      • On this day Lord Alfred Douglas escaped a self-imposed exile in Paris

      Characters

  12. 5th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. Matters of love and death

      Gabriel is distracted from the thought of distressed families by Sylvia's matchmaking plans for Victor

      • The hall, Grahams' House
      • On this day The Battle of the Ourcq began

      Characters

    2. Fighting over Isabel

      In a heated conversation with Dorothea, Sylvia discovers the identity of Victor's beloved Kitty

      • Church Hall, Folkestone
      • On this day The Battle of the Ourcq began

      Characters

    3. "What's become of the world..."

      The changes to society wrought by war are felt even by the implacable Sylvia

      • The drawing room, Grahams' House
      • On this day The Battle of the Ourcq began

      Characters

  13. 8th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. Shocking News

      The Grahams' worries about Isabel are overtaken by a telegram reporting Freddie's death

      • The dining room, Grahams' House
      • On this day Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lloyd George gave a speech on the need for economy in wartime

      Characters

    2. A house divided

      Prostrated by sorrow, councillor Graham is unable to respond to his wife's wishes

      • Gabriel's study, Grahams' House
      • On this day Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lloyd George gave a speech on the need for economy in wartime

      Characters

    3. An encounter with a soldier

      Her emotions in disarray, Isabel kisses a soldier who thinks she is a prostitute: the revelation brings Freddie's death home to her

      • Victoria Pier, Folkestone
      • On this day Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lloyd George gave a speech on the need for economy in wartime

      Characters

  14. 9th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 4

    1. Hilary intrudes on Gabriel's solitude

      The ever-suave Hilary presents himself as Gabriel's right hand, and warns Isabel she was seen kissing the soldier

      • Gabriel's study, Grahams' House
      • On this day Folkestone held its annual regatta (and the so called “Dover Humbug” was a “prefect nuisance”)

      Characters

    2. Gabriel presides in court

      Those before Gabriel in the magistrate's court include the last man to see the lost boys alive, and Sgt Harris's own son

      • On this day Folkestone held its annual regatta (and the so called “Dover Humbug” was a “prefect nuisance”)

      Characters

    3. To the Regatta

      Gabriel overtakes Mervyn and Norman on his way to immerse himself further in his "civic duties"

      • On this day Folkestone held its annual regatta (and the so called “Dover Humbug” was a “prefect nuisance”)

      Characters

    4. Gabriel capsized

      Mervyn redeems himself by saving his brother from the water after two boats overturn

      • The Harbour, Folkestone
      • On this day Folkestone held its annual regatta (and the so called “Dover Humbug” was a “prefect nuisance”)

      Characters

  15. 10th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 1

    1. Buns or Germs?

      Jessie has noticed Kitty's thickening middle

      • On this day Folkestone’s library committee agreed to open extra reading rooms for soldiers

      Characters

  16. 15th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 6

    1. A memorial service on the Leas

      Gabriel breaks down, Sylvia steps up, and the Wilsons miss Dieter and Sam

      • The Leas, Folkestone
      • On this day On this day, Arras was occupied by the German Army

      Characters

    2. Sylvia inflamed again

      Outraged by Jack's lack of decorum, it looks like Sylvia is incubating a new patriotic scheme

      • The Leas, Folkestone
      • On this day On this day, Arras was occupied by the German Army

      Characters

    3. Confrontation on the pier

      Presented with a white feather, Joe decides to enlist to get away from his family: a reluctant Jack agrees

      • Victoria Pier, Folkestone
      • On this day On this day, Arras was occupied by the German Army

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    4. Signing up for war

      Both lads offer themselves in service to their country, but it becomes clear Joe lacks schooling

      • On this day On this day, Arras was occupied by the German Army

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    5. In the army now - or not

      While Jack has been accepted by the army, Joe has been turned down because of his bad teeth

      • On this day On this day, Arras was occupied by the German Army

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    6. Adam shouts at Sylvia

      In the cinema queue, Adam accuses Sylvia of wanting other young men to die just because her son has been killed

      • On this day On this day, Arras was occupied by the German Army

      Characters

  17. 16th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 1

    1. Family condolences

      Victor disagrees with Sylvia over Kitty, and is shocked when Gabriel mistakes him for Freddie

      • The hall, Grahams' House
      • On this day The sea liner ‘German’ was renamed the ‘Glengorm Castle’

      Characters

  18. 17th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 8

    1. Gabriel goes to pieces

      Wracked by grief, Gabriel forgets things, mislays papers, even fails to recognise his own daughter

      • The drawing room, Grahams' House
      • On this day Kitchener informed the House that the Army had increased the separation allowances made to wives of soldiers

      Characters

    2. A stir in the council meeting

      Rather than deal with council business, Gabriel begins reciting poetry: Hilary tries to manage the situation

      • On this day Kitchener informed the House that the Army had increased the separation allowances made to wives of soldiers

      Characters

    3. A new recruit for the young sleuths

      From deep despondency, Gabriel is fired by the chance of an adventure involving a missing refugee

      • On this day Kitchener informed the House that the Army had increased the separation allowances made to wives of soldiers

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    4. A couple reunited

      The upswing of Gabriel's mood continues as they take Ottoline to meet her husband

      • On this day Kitchener informed the House that the Army had increased the separation allowances made to wives of soldiers

      Characters

    5. A couple reunited, part 2

      Adam and Jessie are embarrassed by displays of adult affection: Gabriel continues to behave erratically

      • The Harbour, Folkestone
      • On this day Kitchener informed the House that the Army had increased the separation allowances made to wives of soldiers

      Characters

    6. Gabriel in bad company

      Isabel tries to extract Gabriel from the pub as he is on the point of pawning his cufflinks

      • British Lion, Folkestone
      • On this day Kitchener informed the House that the Army had increased the separation allowances made to wives of soldiers

      Characters

    7. Gabriel gets blotto

      Gabriel finds himself in sympathy with the maudlin Bill and rebuffs Hilary's attempts to help

      • The Harbour, Folkestone
      • On this day Kitchener informed the House that the Army had increased the separation allowances made to wives of soldiers

      Characters

    8. Esme to the rescue

      Esme's loyalty is to Gabriel now rather than her father: Gabriel realises he is losing his sanity

      • The Harbour, Folkestone
      • On this day Kitchener informed the House that the Army had increased the separation allowances made to wives of soldiers

      Characters

  19. 24th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 5

    1. The Graham women confront Gabriel

      Gabriel is foolishly buoyed up by newspaper reports of soldiers presumed dead but found alive, hoping this might be true of Freddie

      • Gabriel's study, Grahams' House
      • On this day The Boy Scouts were reorganised with their war effort being officially recognised

      Characters

    2. An official dinner with the Belgians

      Hilary and Dorothea are concerned by Gabriel's absence, and Isabel is again peeved by her mother's high-handedness

      • On this day The Boy Scouts were reorganised with their war effort being officially recognised

      Characters

    3. Sylvia's speech interrupted

      Sylvia apparently reacts with embarrassment rather than concern at her husband's eccentric interruption

      • On this day The Boy Scouts were reorganised with their war effort being officially recognised

      Characters

    4. Sylvia is stricken

      It's true - Sylvia is "mortified" rather than concerned by her husband's erratic behaviour

      • On this day The Boy Scouts were reorganised with their war effort being officially recognised

      Characters

    5. Gabriel and the refugees

      Gabriel accepts Freddie's death, realising certainty is better than not knowing the fate of loved ones, like the Belgian couple

      • On this day The Boy Scouts were reorganised with their war effort being officially recognised

      Characters

  20. 25th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 2

    1. The town gathers to hear Mrs Pankhurst

      Dorothea is impressed by Mrs Pankhurst, but Sylvia is spoiling for a fight

      • On this day Suffragette Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst arrived in Folkestone to address a meeting on the war crisis

      Characters

    2. The argument continues

      Ralph's attitude to suffrage hints at the deeper problems in his marriage: Sylvia remains imperious and implacable

      • On this day Suffragette Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst arrived in Folkestone to address a meeting on the war crisis

      Characters

  21. 29th September 1914

    Scene 1 of 5

    1. Gabriel crumbles

      Gabriel continues to behave erratically - sometimes upbeat, but now sounding heartily sick of the war

      • On this day The Evening News published a story called The Bowmen, inspiring the legend of the Angels of Mons

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    2. An impulsive purchase

      Unaccustomed to shopping, Gabriel purchases "the soldier's cigarette", Woodbines, for his first smoke.

      • On this day The Evening News published a story called The Bowmen, inspiring the legend of the Angels of Mons

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    3. Partners in loss

      Knowing what it is to lose a son, Florrie offers the distraught Gabriel a helping hand to get home

      • On this day The Evening News published a story called The Bowmen, inspiring the legend of the Angels of Mons

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    4. Gabriel offers hospitality

      There is much cross-class embarrassment as Gabriel introduces Florrie to Isabel and Esme

      • On this day The Evening News published a story called The Bowmen, inspiring the legend of the Angels of Mons

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    5. Strife over dinner

      Sylvia reveals her hidden pain, her disappointment with Gabriel and her preference for Freddie over Isabel.

      • The dining room, Grahams' House
      • On this day The Evening News published a story called The Bowmen, inspiring the legend of the Angels of Mons

      Characters

  22. 1st October 1914

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. Women at odds

      Dorothea and Isabel show they have more in common than Ralph when faced with Sylvia's incurable, old-fashioned attitudes

      • The drawing room, Grahams' House
      • On this day The first battle of Arras began

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    2. Sylvia spring cleans

      Once again we see Sylvia's lack of tact and the way she and Isabel manifest grief very differently

      • On this day The first battle of Arras began

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    3. The family that plays together...

      Remembering Freddie brings the remaining Grahams together and levels their conflicting emotions

      • On this day The first battle of Arras began

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  23. 3rd October 1914

    Scene 1 of 1

    1. Victor leaves for the front

      Adam is confused by Kitty's distress at Victor's departure: he offers her his last aniseed ball

      • On this day The Folkestone Herald inaugurated their gallery of honour

      Characters

  24. 1st December 1914

    Scene 1 of 4

    1. Sober preparations

      Sylvia, Gabriel and Isabel gather scattered cufflinks and wits to prepare for Freddie's funeral

      • On this day George the Fifth visited Indian troops on the Western Front front

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    2. Juliet returns

      Returning daughter Juliet Graham represents the modern, independent woman: Freddie's funeral cortege is diverted to avoid damaging morale

      • The Harbour, Folkestone
      • On this day George the Fifth visited Indian troops on the Western Front front

      Characters

    3. A funeral

      Dorothea appears, insisting she has a right to attend Freddie's funeral.

      • St Jude's Church, Folkestone
      • On this day George the Fifth visited Indian troops on the Western Front front

      Characters

    4. Freddie laid to rest

      Only when the rest of the family has left Freddie's grave can Silvia speak freely to her dead son of her love for him

      • St Jude's Church, Folkestone
      • On this day George the Fifth visited Indian troops on the Western Front front

      Characters

  25. 8th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 4

    1. The soldiers arrive

      The vicarage's new soldier inhabitants are an Indian private with impeccable English and a flirtatious Welshman

      • Ralph's study, Vicarage
      • On this day The British Royal navy sank three German cruisers

      Characters

    2. Monk's bicycle returned

      We learn that Monk was prevented from signing up, and that the con man soldier was freed on Ivor's orders

      • On this day The British Royal navy sank three German cruisers

      Characters

    3. More upset in the vicarage

      Ralph seems jealous of Dorothea speaking Hindi to Ramesh: their third soldier-guest is the conman, George

      • Vicarage, Folkestone
      • On this day The British Royal navy sank three German cruisers

      Characters

    4. The lantern lecture

      Dorothea brings the soldiers to the lecture - Ralph doesn't want to leave her alone with them - where they meet Isabel and Jessie

      • On this day The British Royal navy sank three German cruisers

      Characters

  26. 9th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 2

    1. Preparations in the theatre

      We learn a bit more about Ivy - her relationship with Archie, her mixture of softness and toughness, her debt to Dolly Clout. Jessie's looks set to be a child star

      • Pleasure Garden Theatre, Folkestone
      • On this day The First Buffs regiment reached the frontline

      Characters

    2. The variety show

      Young Jessie makes her stage debut in uniform as the "miniature Vesta Tilly". Monk flirts with Ivy

      • Pleasure Garden Theatre, Folkestone
      • On this day The First Buffs regiment reached the frontline

      Characters

  27. 10th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 1

    1. A difference of opinion

      A friend's desire to get her son enlisted reveals Sylvia's new ambivalence about war: she tells Victor to bring Kitty to her house; Toby flirts with Esme:

      • On this day The German Consul Ahlers was charged with high treason

      Characters

  28. 12th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 1

    1. It's all go at the police station

      Policemen Monk and Norman are beset by a number of callers making strange requests or accusations

      • On this day It was the last chance to post Christmas parcels to the Front

      Characters

  29. 15th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 6

    1. A visitor for Hilary

      Hilary is distracted from his council work by the agitated Laurie arriving unexpectedly at the town hall

      • On this day Folkestone Town Hall hosted a meeting of the Union Belge, a new refugee support group

      Characters

    2. An allegation of Treason

      Laurie reiterates the claim he made to the police, that his manager at the post office is a spy: we learn Hilary may be less suave than he seems

      • Tontine Street, Folkestone
      • On this day Folkestone Town Hall hosted a meeting of the Union Belge, a new refugee support group

      Characters

    3. Mr Hawkes explains

      Hawkes explains the government has licensed postmasters to open foreign and random mail: he probes Hilary's relationship to Laurie

      • On this day Folkestone Town Hall hosted a meeting of the Union Belge, a new refugee support group

      Characters

    4. A meal of cockles

      In conversation with Hilary, Laurie exhibits traits that today might be diagnosed as autism

      • On this day Folkestone Town Hall hosted a meeting of the Union Belge, a new refugee support group

      Characters

    5. Hilary's secret

      Laurie reveals he is Hilary's brother, and Hilary asks Isabel not to mention this to her father, making a veiled threat

      • On this day Folkestone Town Hall hosted a meeting of the Union Belge, a new refugee support group

      Characters

    6. Inside Laurie's bedroom

      Hilary has concealed the existence of his brother - a savant cricket-obsessive - and his lowly origins in order to get on in life

      • On this day Folkestone Town Hall hosted a meeting of the Union Belge, a new refugee support group

      Characters

  30. 16th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 5

    1. Uproar at the Vicarage

      George smashes Dorothea's statue of Kali and proves a boorish presence, heightening tensions: Ralph has become stand-in chaplain at the Manor House hospital

      • Vicarage, Folkestone
      • On this day Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool were bombarded by the German Navy, with terrible losses

      Characters

    2. Ralph visits the hospital

      A nurse prepares Ralph for his first face-to-face encounter with amputees and men with frostbite

      • Hospital (The Manor House), Folkestone
      • On this day Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool were bombarded by the German Navy, with terrible losses

      Characters

    3. The weeping soldier

      Ralph, attempting conversation with a soldier wracked with sobs, finds Isabel visiting the hospital

      • Hospital (The Manor House), Folkestone
      • On this day Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool were bombarded by the German Navy, with terrible losses

      Characters

    4. Two casualties

      Ralph talks to the comatose Hardinge and is accosted by Douglas, who lost both legs to a Howitzer but endures, thanks to a female ambulance driver

      • Hospital (The Manor House), Folkestone
      • On this day Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool were bombarded by the German Navy, with terrible losses

      Characters

    5. Ralph lays down the law

      Chastened by his experiences at the hospital, Ralph throws George out of the house when he molests Marieke

      • The parlour, Vicarage
      • On this day Scarborough, Whitby and Hartlepool were bombarded by the German Navy, with terrible losses

      Characters

  31. 17th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 2

    1. Rallying the public

      The Germans have shelled British coastal towns: Archie uses this to play on the consciences of the unenlisted - and line his pockets

      • Rendezvous Street, Folkestone
      • On this day Sir John French prepared Indian troops for an attack at Givenchy

      Characters

    2. Jessie's deception exposed

      Archie and Hilary clash over who is profiting from the conflict and Hilda Moore sees Jessie singing in the street and is appalled

      • Rendezvous Street, Folkestone
      • On this day Sir John French prepared Indian troops for an attack at Givenchy

      Characters

  32. 18th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 6

    1. The Harris boys at sea

      Out at sea, looking out for fish and mines, Mervyn reveals that Maisie is hectoring him to enlist

      • On this day Fishermen in Folkestone reportedly caught record-breaking numbers of sprats

      Characters

    2. The Admiral goes recruiting

      There is huge pressure on all able men to sign up, even if engaged in essential activities like fishing

      • The Harbour, Folkestone
      • On this day Fishermen in Folkestone reportedly caught record-breaking numbers of sprats

      Characters

    3. Mervyn and Maisie's date

      Women feel the need to urge their men to join up, too

      • Tontine Street, Folkestone
      • On this day Fishermen in Folkestone reportedly caught record-breaking numbers of sprats

      Characters

    4. Mervyn's announcement

      Mervyn's fisherman brothers are superstitiously appalled that he has broken up their team and joined up needlessly

      • British Lion, Folkestone
      • On this day Fishermen in Folkestone reportedly caught record-breaking numbers of sprats

      Characters

    5. Maisie's tears

      Faced with the prospect of Mervyn going to war at sea, Maisie admits that she loves him

      • The Leas, Folkestone
      • On this day Fishermen in Folkestone reportedly caught record-breaking numbers of sprats

      Characters

    6. The recruiting drive

      Mervyn's brothers surprise him by signing up alongside him: he surprises Maisie by proposing, and she accepts.

      • Pleasure Garden Theatre, Folkestone
      • On this day Fishermen in Folkestone reportedly caught record-breaking numbers of sprats

      Characters

  33. 22nd December 1914

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. Aunt Phyllis comes for Christmas

      Phyllis is clearly unnerved both by Victor's domestic arrangements and Isabel's driving

      • On this day The Telegraph reported that an enterprising salesman imported thousands of turkeys from Canada

      Characters

    2. Danger in the air

      The threat of air raids starts to oppress the townsfolk

      • On this day The Telegraph reported that an enterprising salesman imported thousands of turkeys from Canada

      Characters

    3. The Graham/Marshall women converge

      The younger women are dying to hear how Phyllis's meeting with Kitty went but she evades their questions

      • On this day The Telegraph reported that an enterprising salesman imported thousands of turkeys from Canada

      Characters

  34. 23rd December 1914

    Scene 1 of 7

    1. Good news by telegram

      Joy at Cressida's baby is tempered - for the older Graham./Marshall generation at least - by news that it is "another" girl

      • The dining room, Grahams' House
      • On this day The Refugee committee hosted Christmas tea for the Belgian Wounded at Folkestone’s Grand Hotel

      Characters

    2. A fraught journey

      Phyllis can't seem to help putting her foot in it as Sylvia reveals her dread at a Christmas without Freddie

      • On this day The Refugee committee hosted Christmas tea for the Belgian Wounded at Folkestone’s Grand Hotel

      Characters

    3. Preparations for tea

      Even at a tea for refugees, Miranda seeks a bit of influential help with getting her boy a commission

      • The Grand Hotel, Folkestone
      • On this day The Refugee committee hosted Christmas tea for the Belgian Wounded at Folkestone’s Grand Hotel

      Characters

    4. The Marshall women at loggerheads

      Beside Phyllis and her high-handed attitude to family and class, Sylvia looks positively soft and timid

      • The Grand Hotel, Folkestone
      • On this day The Refugee committee hosted Christmas tea for the Belgian Wounded at Folkestone’s Grand Hotel

      Characters

    5. A shock for Sylvia

      The revelation that Freddie would have been safer as a private soldier shakes Sylvia to her core

      • The Grand Hotel, Folkestone
      • On this day The Refugee committee hosted Christmas tea for the Belgian Wounded at Folkestone’s Grand Hotel

      Characters

    6. Headstrong youth

      Humphrey, ashamed to be among wounded men, wants to enlist as a private: his mother is appalled, though Sylvia advises her to reconsider

      • The Grand Hotel, Folkestone
      • On this day The Refugee committee hosted Christmas tea for the Belgian Wounded at Folkestone’s Grand Hotel

      Characters

    7. Albert gatecrashes the party

      Albert reveals that after Phyllis's proposal Kitty has disappeared: Forrester initiates a blackout after seaplanes approach

      • The Grand Hotel, Folkestone
      • On this day The Refugee committee hosted Christmas tea for the Belgian Wounded at Folkestone’s Grand Hotel

      Characters

  35. 26th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. Boxing Day at the Grahams'

      Victor's friend Toby has sent a telegram

      • On this day A military order was issued for all Folkestone’s licensed premises to close at 8pm

      Characters

    2. Phyllis's comeuppance

      Although everyone is appalled by Phyllis's behaviour, Sylvia demands a show of family unity: we learn Juliet's husband is in air reconnaissance

      • On this day A military order was issued for all Folkestone’s licensed premises to close at 8pm

      Characters

    3. Toby's telegram is read

      Esme's reaction to Toby's telegram suggests there may have been more to their encounter than mere friendliness

      • On this day A military order was issued for all Folkestone’s licensed premises to close at 8pm

      Characters

  36. 29th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. The aftermath of a storm

      Joe and Forrester's chat represents an unlikely rapprochement between the Macknades and the forces of order

      • Tontine Street, Folkestone
      • On this day Folkestone woke up to the after-effects of a strong gale

      Characters

    2. A cricketer recruiting

      All sorts and classes - Joe, Humphrey, Laurie - sign up, gaining the cricketer's autograph in the process

      • On this day Folkestone woke up to the after-effects of a strong gale

      Characters

    3. A revelation amid recruitment

      As the men explain the compulsion to join up, Mickey reveals a boy's body has been found in a pit

      • On this day Folkestone woke up to the after-effects of a strong gale

      Characters

  37. 30th December 1914

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. Crumpets and concern

      Even at their most sensitive to loss and horror, the Grahams can be insensitive to others - particularly the fact that the body has been identified as Esme's brother Jimmy

      • The drawing room, Grahams' House
      • On this day A German plane raid on Dunkirk left dozens of civilians wounded

      Characters

    2. Not so nosy Nancy

      Mrs Parker guesses Esme may be pregnant but Esme denies it

      • The kitchen, Grahams' House
      • On this day A German plane raid on Dunkirk left dozens of civilians wounded

      Characters

    3. A surprising departure

      Gabriel's clumsy attempts at tact provoke an outburst and a walkout from Esme

      • The drawing room, Grahams' House
      • On this day A German plane raid on Dunkirk left dozens of civilians wounded

      Characters

  38. 1st January 1915

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. A new year for the Grahams

      Society is changing - parents and children breakfasting together, black players in football teams, women like Isabel driving ambulances

      • On this day The institution of the Military Cross was announced

      Characters

    2. An argument about Victor

      We learn more about the rivalry between the two Marshall sisters

      • On this day The institution of the Military Cross was announced

      Characters

    3. A change of heart

      Gabriel and Sylvia's emotions continue to seesaw in the aftermath of Freddie's death

      • The Grand Hotel, Folkestone
      • On this day The institution of the Military Cross was announced

      Characters

  39. 2nd January 1915

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. Joe finally joins up

      For their various reasons, Joe, Laurie and Monk all sign up with Ivor - Joe in particular is exuberant as it makes him "feel like a man"

      • On this day Duke Nicholas of Russia appealed to Britain for assistance at Dardanelles

      Characters

    2. Police vs armed forces

      A conundrum - good men are needed both at home and on the front line

      • On this day Duke Nicholas of Russia appealed to Britain for assistance at Dardanelles

      Characters

    3. Hilary explains Laurie's situation

      Ivor explains the situation - the hungry maw of war consumes all nominally able men, regardless of position, impairment or difference

      • On this day Duke Nicholas of Russia appealed to Britain for assistance at Dardanelles

      Characters

  40. 5th January 1915

    Scene 1 of 3

    1. Soldiers with frostbite arrive

      Soldiers suffering frostbite, many of them attacked on Christmas Day, now face Isabel's ambulance driving

      • On this day Germans allowed Belgian wives and mothers to visit relatives in England on condition they promised to return

      Characters

    2. The ambulance stalls

      A line is crossed - Isabel tells her mother to "shut up" when she criticises her driving

      • On this day Germans allowed Belgian wives and mothers to visit relatives in England on condition they promised to return

      Characters

    3. Isabel charms a frostbitten soldier

      Isabel and Frank speak openly about love and death

      • Hospital (The Manor House), Folkestone
      • On this day Germans allowed Belgian wives and mothers to visit relatives in England on condition they promised to return

      Characters

  41. 6th January 1915

    Scene 1 of 2

    1. A welcome return

      Jack relates to Florrie his experiences as a soldier in training, including civilian hostility

      • On this day The South Weald Parish Needlework Party sent over 1000 belts and 100 pairs of socks to soldiers at Shorncliffe

      Characters

    2. The Wilsons encounter Phyllis again

      Amid a Wilson reunion, Phyllis explains that she would like to pay for Kitty's baby - if it is a boy - to attend Wellington College

      • Wilsons' House, Folkestone
      • On this day The South Weald Parish Needlework Party sent over 1000 belts and 100 pairs of socks to soldiers at Shorncliffe

      Characters

  42. 7th January 1915

    Scene 1 of 1

    1. Champagne and truth

      Archie reveals his feelings for Ivy, tells her he cannot join the army because of a fragile heart, and suggests taking Jessie on a recruitment tour - Ivy is unsure

      • Pleasure Garden Theatre, Folkestone
      • On this day A French Ministerial Decree banned the drinking of absinthe

      Characters

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