We have been aware of the story of Barclay and Trudy Patoir for some time but a recent BBC radio programme, featuring interviews with the couple and their children, is very moving. Barclay Patoir came to England in 1941 to work as an engineer. His story demonstrates that people from the colonies helped the War effort in many ways, not just by serving in the Forces. But above all this is story of love in the face of racial prejudice, a love that endured for over seventy years.
Not sure how long the programme will be available but, hopefully, you will be able to listen to it here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000j94c
If you can’t access the radio programme you should be able to read the story here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-39003902
Sad to hear that the couple both died shortly after the programme was made but, as one of the contributors comments, they had ‘a wonderful life.’
Our thanks to Audrey Dewjee for bringing the programme to our attention.