ANN is married to Station Commander Martin Black, an RAF pilot, and they have two small girls. Ann has moved down to Somerset for the war, teaching at the local village school.

CICELY (Cissy) is a driver for the WAAF and is stationed at Cliffe Aerodrome. She once had ambitions to go on stage, but finds great satisfaction in doing her bit, and is enjoying the new friendships she’s made. She has fallen in love with a young American pilot, Randolf Stevens, but now he’s been sent to Biggin Hill, they rarely see one another.

BOB and CHARLEY are Peggy’s two young sons, who are also living in Somerset for the duration. Bob is serious and dedicated to running the farm, whilst Charley is still mischievous, and when not causing trouble, can be found most of the time under the bonnet of some vehicle, tinkering with the engine.

DAISY is Peggy’s youngest child, born the day Singapore fell. She can sleep through air-raids and simply adores pulling Ron’s wayward eyebrows. She and Harvey are best of friends, but she has yet to truly know her father, or her siblings.

RITA SMITH came to Beach View after her home in Cliffehaven was flattened by an air-raid. Rita is small and an energetic tomboy who is a fully qualified mechanic, having been taught from an early age by her father. She can usually be seen in heavy trousers and boots, and a WW1 leather jacket and flying helmet.

FRAN is from Ireland and works as a theatre nurse at Cliffehaven General. She has been living with Peggy since before the war, and has become an intrinsic part of the family. She plays the violin at the Anchor for the sing-songs, and has fallen in love with Robert – an MOD colleague of Anthony Williams.

SARAH FULLER and her younger sister, JANE, came to England and Beach View after the fall of Singapore. They are the great-nieces of Cordelia Finch who has welcomed them with open arms. Sarah works for the Women’s Timber Corps, and Jane has now left Cliffehaven for a secret posting where she’s deciphering codes.

IVY is from the East End of London and was billeted for a time with Doris where she was expected to skivvy. She’s stepping out with Fire Officer Andy, who is the nephew of Gloria Stevens who runs the Crown pub in Cliffehaven High Street. She and Rita are best friends and the untidiest pair Peggy has ever met – other than Ron and Harvey.