The BBC's classic story of an English schoolmaster's life of tragedy and triumph between the wars
To Serve Them All My Days is a 1980-81 British television drama serial, adapted by Andrew Davies from R. F. Delderfield's 1972 novel of the same name. David Powlett-Jones, a shell-shocked World War I veteran, becomes a teacher at an elite English boarding school, Bamfylde. The drama explores his personal growth, relationships, and evolving views on society over his 20-year career at the school.
WritersR.F. Delderfield, Andrew Davies
Part One
Oct 17, 1980
During WWI, an injured and shell-shocked David Powlett-Jones applies to teach history at an English boys' public school, but he's concerned about whether a lower-class product of the Welsh mines can fit in.
Part Two
Oct 24, 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
Oct 31, 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
Nov 7, 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
Nov 14, 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
Nov 21, 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
Nov 28, 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
Dec 5, 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
Dec 12, 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
Dec 19, 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
Jan 2, 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
Jan 9, 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
Jan 16, 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.
