Storyline

After barely surviving the trenches of World War I, an embittered young soldier takes a teaching post at Bamfylde, an elite boarding school in the uplands of West Devon. It is an unlikely job for a Welsh miner's son without a degree, but David Powlett-Jones (John Duttine) proves to be a rare schoolmaster, as passionate about learning as he is about teaching. Through two tumultuous decades, Powlett-Jones inspires his students with his courage and idealism, qualities that help prepare him to send another generation of young men off to fight yet another war.

First Aired

1980-10-17
Last Aired

1981-01-16
Creator
Genre

Drama
Seasons

1
Episodes

13
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

BBC One

Keywords:

based on novel or book teacher miniseries public school schoolmaster boys' school 1910s devon

Stream and watch To Serve Them All My Days

Season 1

1. Part One

Although he once had dreams of a life in academia, injured soldier David Powlett-Jones arrives at Bamf...More

Although he once had dreams of a life in academia, injured soldier David Powlett-Jones arrives at Bamfylde a broken man haunted by the horrors of the front. Long, solitary walks and encouragement from Headmaster Herries help him regain strength and face the scrutiny of the other masters.Less

50mins 1980-10-17

2. Part Two

On a holiday in Wales, David meets Beth, a vivacious young nurse from Swansea who literally sets her c...More

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.Less

50mins 1980-10-24

3. Part Three

David faces his wedding day with Howarth's gruff encouragement. Beth settles happily into life at Bamf...More

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.Less

50mins 1980-10-31

4. Part Four

The twins arrive, and David gets an opportunity to shine as a substitute housemaster. Beautiful Julia ...More

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.Less

50mins 1980-11-07

5. Part Five

David takes over Havelock House for good and makes a curious choice for house captain. Everything goes...More

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.Less

50mins 1980-11-14

6. Part Six

Stumbling about the moors, David finds a reason to return to Bamfylde and carry on. Five years later, ...More

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.Less

50mins 1980-11-21

7. Part Seven

When Herries announces his retirement, Carter and David square off in the competition for the new head...More

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.Less

50mins 1980-11-28

8. Part Eight

As Alcock takes charge and Herries bows out, the contrast between the two men is stark. The new headma...More

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.Less

50mins 1980-12-05

9. Part Nine

Outraged by Alcock's campaign to interrogate boys he suspects of ""unhealthy friendships"", David lash...More

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.Less

50mins 1980-12-12

10. Part Ten

Alcock arranges a formal board hearing to air his grievances against David. Despite the risk, David co...More

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.Less

50mins 1980-12-19

11. Part Eleven

The masters bid farewell to Alcock in their own unique ways. David becomes the heir apparent to the he...More

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.Less

50mins 1981-01-02

12. Part Twelve

Preliminaries to World War II have started. To David's delight and amazement, Christine shows up at B...More

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.Less

50mins 1981-01-09

13. Part Thirteen

David revels in his new life as headmaster and husband, but Christine struggles to find her place at B...More

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.Less