A Family at War

Seasons

1970

7.8

The lower middle class Ashton family of the city of Liverpool deal with life on the home front during the Second World War.

Episode List

S1 • E1

The Facts of Life

The adult children of the Ashton Family are preparing a surprise party for their parents, Edwin and Jean. The atmosphere is cheerful, but some underlying tensions within the family pop up now and then, and then there is the threat of a war that seems to be coming. Through his marriage 30 years ago Edwin shifted from working-class to middle-class, but at the cost of losing his self-respect. All these years he has been in the hands of his brother-in-law, Sefton Briggs, who rules the printing works where Edwin is employed, and even owns the house where Edwin and Jean live. The post as manager of the works is now vacant. Edwin is the obvious candidate for this position, but instead Sefton places his own son, Tony, there. This also dashes the hope of Edwin's eldest son, David, of getting a job at the works. David is tormented by not being able to earn enough money to maintain his wife Sheila and their two children without financial support by his parents. When all other possibilities have failed, he finally finds one solution: to join the RAF.

S1 • E2

To Die for Spain

August 1938. The family is dismayed when Philip decides to return to Spain to fight the fascists.

S1 • E3

Lines of Battle

June 1939. The threat of war, conscription and social issues contribute to the tensions at Margaret's wedding.

S1 • E4

The Summer Before the War

August 1939. There are anxieties about the evacuation of children, and an unplanned pregnancy.

S1 • E5

The Gate of the Year

December 1939. Everyone adjusts to new roles during the 'Phony War', but Margaret's problems with her mother-in-law come to a head when John has unexpected leave.

S1 • E6

The Breach in the Dyke

May 1940. The families are variously affected by confused reports of the German advance on the continent, as John and his unit retreat towards Dunkirk.

S1 • E7

The War Office Regrets

June 1940. News that John is missing in action stretches the Porter's fragile marriage to breaking point.

S1 • E8

For Strategic Reasons

June 1940. On the island of Guernsey awaiting orders, Philip and a friend become involved with two local sisters.

S1 • E9

The Night They Hit No. 8

August 1940. The family experience an air-raid as Margaret prepares to give birth.

S1 • E10

One of Ours

September 1940. The different characters attempt various ways to enjoy Saturday night in spite of the war, and David is sent on a bombing mission.

S1 • E11

Brothers in War

October 1940. The men come home on leave and cause tension within their families by spending more time pursuing romances than at home with their relatives.