The seeds of this story were sown many years ago when visiting our friends, Rhys and Kathy Davies, close to Perpignan. They introduced us to the wonderful towns and villages in the foothills of the Pyrenees. We visited what is left of the holding camp for detainees at Rivesaltes (now a museum) where the great injustices that were suffered by adults and children, held captive there between 1939 and 1945, are acknowledged.
Love and War in the Pyrenees by Rosemary Bailey inspired me to visit the Suisse Maternity Hospital at Elne and the International School founded by German dissidents, Pik and Yves Werner at La Coume, Mosset, still flourishing today.
It is from these visits that my research began.
After several books were published and much distraction caused by medical issues, the completion of this book was delayed until the lockdown of 2020–21. This gave me time to polish my story with the help of my agent, Judith Murdoch and my editor, Rosie de Courcy. They took my wayward manuscript and pulled it into shape with some excellent suggestions. I must also thank Liz Hatherell once more, for her excellent copy editing. Any mistakes are therefore my own.
During all this, I was indebted to my local friends: Jenny Hall, Kate Croll, the Northern chapter of the RNA and my 500 club friends, Trisha Ashley and Elizabeth Gill for lifting my spirits at a difficult time. As always, I rely on the loving support and encouragement of David and my family.
It was also hard finishing the text without the presence of my faithful companion, Mr Beau. He left us in March this year. The loyal friendship of a dog is one of life’s treasured experiences. He is sadly missed.
Leah Fleming