General
What year does the story begin?
1914
What does Alfie’s mother do to support the family during the war?
Works 3 jobs, as a Queens Nurse, doing laundry and sewing
Where does Alfie eventually discover his father is being kept?
In the East Suffolk and Ipswich Hospital being treated for Shell Shock
What date is Alfie's birthday?
28 July 1914
When was the war thought to be over?
"by Christmas"
How many pages are in the novel?
247
What lie does Alfie’s mother tell him about his father?
She tells him that his father is on a secret mission and cannot write to them
What is Georgie's profession before serving?
A milkman, with his horse Mr. Asquith
What job does Alfie take on, and where does he get his equipment?
A shoeshine boy at Kings Cross Station, with equipment stolen from Mr. Janacek's house
Why don’t the Janacek’s work between Friday evening and Sunday morning?
They celebrate Shabbat, the Jewish day for rest
Spell the full word for Joe Patience, the 'conchie'...
Conscientious objector
What flavour jam was Margie gifted whilst working?
Gooseberry
What important item does Alfie find that gives him a clue about his father’s whereabouts?
A medical record (from a doctor) mentioning Georgie’s admission to East Suffolk and Ipswich Hospital
What does Alfie like to get from the Janacek's corner store?
Apple drop sweets
What phrase does Granny Summerfield use many times, at the beginning of the novel?
"we're finished"
Where was Old Bill Hemperton from?
Australia
What two places did Margie often hide Georgie's letters?
What date is Georgie's birthday?
3 May 1887
What book did Alfie get for his 5th birthday, that he read multiple times?
Robinson Crusoe
What phrase is used to describe the word 'poor'?
‘perilously close to penury’
What was the name of the lady that Alfie meets on the train?
Mrs Marian Bancroft
How much money did Margie get per basket of sewing she did for the well-to-do, Mrs. Emberg?
A shilling
What was Georgie's serial number?
14278
Name the 5 foods served at Alfie's 5th birthday party.
Corned-beef sandwiches, stewed tripe, pickled eggs, cold tongue and jellied eels
What did everyone have to do in WW1?
'do their bit'