To Serve Them All My Days

50min

Drama

After barely surviving the trenches of World War I, an embittered young soldier takes a teaching post at Bamfylde, an elite boarding school in the uplands of West Devon. It is an unlikely job for a Welsh miner's son without a degree, but David Powlett-Jones (John Duttine) proves to be a rare schoolmaster, as passionate about learning as he is about teaching. Through two tumultuous decades, Powlett-Jones inspires his students with his courage and idealism, qualities that help prepare him to send another generation of young men off to fight yet another war.

Episodes

Cast

Part One

1. Part One

50min

17th Oct 1980

Although he once had dreams of a life in academia, injured soldier David Powlett-Jones arrives at Bamfylde a broken man haunted by the horrors of the front. Long, solitary walks and encouragement from Headmaster Herries help him regain strength and face the scrutiny of the other masters.

Part Two

2. Part Two

50min

24th Oct 1980

On a holiday in Wales, David meets Beth, a vivacious young nurse from Swansea who literally sets her cap at him. After months of corresponding, David invites Beth to visit Bamfylde for the Founders' Day festivities.

Part Three

3. Part Three

50min

31st Oct 1980

David faces his wedding day with Howarth's gruff encouragement. Beth settles happily into life at Bamfylde, but David becomes agitated over a confrontation with Carter and a wealthy board member.

Part Four

4. Part Four

50min

7th Nov 1980

The twins arrive, and David gets an opportunity to shine as a substitute housemaster. Beautiful Julia Darbyshire takes a teaching post at Bamfylde, but she finds the atmosphere stifling and the isolation unbearable.

Part Five

5. Part Five

50min

14th Nov 1980

David takes over Havelock House for good and makes a curious choice for house captain. Everything goes well until Winterbourne, a Havelock boy, goes missing.

Part Six

6. Part Six

50min

21st Nov 1980

Stumbling about the moors, David finds a reason to return to Bamfylde and carry on. Five years later, sustained by his teaching and friendships with Herries and Howarth, he resumes his writing.

Part Seven

7. Part Seven

50min

28th Nov 1980

When Herries announces his retirement, Carter and David square off in the competition for the new headmaster's position. Julia's gentle persuasion helps David overcome his reticence to love again but she declares that she will never return to Bamfylde.

Part Eight

8. Part Eight

50min

5th Dec 1980

As Alcock takes charge and Herries bows out, the contrast between the two men is stark. The new headmaster proves to be interested in economy and sanitation above all else.

Part Nine

9. Part Nine

50min

12th Dec 1980

Outraged by Alcock's campaign to interrogate boys he suspects of ""unhealthy friendships"", David lashes out and Carter moves on. David becomes fascinated with Christine, a feisty upper-class socialist and politician who despises Bamfylde.

Part Ten

10. Part Ten

50min

19th Dec 1980

Alcock arranges a formal board hearing to air his grievances against David. Despite the risk, David continues to take time away to support Christine's political career. At the hearing, Alcock issues an ultimatum.

Part Eleven

11. Part Eleven

50min

2nd Jan 1981

The masters bid farewell to Alcock in their own unique ways. David becomes the heir apparent to the headmastership, but Herries cautions David that the job won't be handed to him.

Part Twelve

12. Part Twelve

50min

9th Jan 1981

Preliminaries to World War II have started. To David's delight and amazement, Christine shows up at Bamfylde to enroll a new student. A trip home to Wales for a family death stirs David's emotions about his divided loyalties. The German threat looms over everything.

Part Thirteen

13. Part Thirteen

50min

16th Jan 1981

David revels in his new life as headmaster and husband, but Christine struggles to find her place at Bamfylde. Howarth makes a telling final request, and a letter reveals the imminent loss of another dear friend.

First air date

17th Oct 1980

Last air date

16th Jan 1981

Status

Ended

Type

Scripted

Original language

en

Networks