Books like To serve them all my days by R. F. Delderfield

Former coal miner and South Wales Borderers veteran David Powlett‑Jones rises to Second Lieutenant in World War I, then moves to Bamfylde School in North Devon to teach history. He earns respect from colleagues, except for science master Carter, whose military background fuels tension. David’s sober classes—sharing front‑line memories and critical views of war—spark conflict with Carter over the school’s war memorial and ideological differences. He forms close bonds with Headmaster Algy Herries and English master Ian Howarth, and becomes a mentor to students like Chad Boyer. David marries nurse Beth Marwood; they have twin daughters, Joan and Grace. After a tragic road accident claims Beth and Joan, he perseveres for Grace’s recovery, contending with rising political unrest such as the 1926 General Strike. In the mid‑1920s he researches a biography of Margaret of Anjou, “The Royal Tigress,” and later rekindles a romantic relationship with Julia Darbyshire. In 1927, the school’s search for a new headmaster pits David against Carter and outsider Alcock. Although Governors appoint Alcock, his authoritarian rule brings him into conflict with staff and pupils, leading David and Carter to unite against a common adversary. The novel explores themes of war trauma, education, political ideology, and resilience amid social change.

First publish date: 1972