In Spite of Everything Book 1 chronicles the struggle of my brothers and I to overcome the tragic death of our Mother, and the devastating bombing raids during the second world war, highlighting the efforts of our Grandparents to keep us together and guide us safely through that traumatic part of London history. Followed by the forced evacuation and safe return to Bermondsey, . School days prove to be very confrontational mainly due to religious bigotry, but then two years of work in the London docks turn the boy into a man. This part of my story ends with my entry into the British Army to start my compulsory two years National Service. Pat Coppard (Pat Cee)