Grandfather’s memories out in time for VE Day.
A Milton Keynes writer is preparing for the launch of her new book about World War 2, which is based on her grandfather’s experiences and letters.
Della Judd, a business coach and consultant, says her new book ‘Air Raids and RAF Days’ reveals a forgotten voice – that of John Teague, who was aged 17 during the Blitz. The book is being released to coincide with the 80th anniversary of VE Day, on 8th May.
Della worked with John’s daughter, Helen Allinson, a historian, to create the book, which she describes as ‘a remarkable and deeply personal wartime memoir… that sheds light on the quiet heroism of an ordinary London boy caught in extraordinary times’.
John was walking the bombed-out streets of London during the Blitz, helping to re-home civilians left devastated by air raids. Later, he would join the RAF as a wireless operator mechanic, having been denied his dream of becoming a pilot due to poor eyesight.
The memoir is a blend of John’s own diary entries, transcribed by Helen, and letters exchanged with his family, pieced together to reveal two parallel stories: his personal journey through wartime Europe, and the anxious love and support of his parents back home.
“John was just an ordinary boy who loved books and wanted to study,” said Della. “He didn’t come from wealth or privilege, but he lived through extraordinary times, and we wanted to honour that. This book is about more than war. It’s about resilience, love, and family.”
Initially compiled as a 90th birthday gift for John, who lived to the age of 100 before dying in 2022, the book has now been refined and released to the public, so that future generations can connect with the untold human stories of the second world war.
“My father had typed up some of his diaries but ended up throwing them away,” explains Helen. “Thankfully, we preserved many of his memories through letters and earlier drafts. It’s been a labour of love.”
Air Raids and RAF Days is published by Synjon Books and Conscious Dreams Publishing and is available via Amazon and selected retailers.
