Every year on Remembrance Day, we take a moment to remember those who gave up their lives to fight in the name of peace. What we perhaps don't often remember is the suffering and persecution that gay men and women went through during that time. DadBod Films director, Craig Bingham, reflects on the history with new film, 'Yours Sincerely' - a tale of forbidden love.
While on military training during World War Two, Gilbert Bradley was in love. He exchanged hundreds of letters with his sweetheart - who merely signed with the initial 'G'. More than 70 years later, it was discovered that G stood for Gordon. Craig's short film is inspired by these letters between Gilbert Bradley and Gordon Bowsher during the second world War. Two men who were in love during a time where homosexuality was strictly illegal.
At the time, not only was it illegal, but those in the armed forces could be shot for having gay sex. Some of Britain's gay soldiers, after risking their lives for their country, were persecuted and jailed by the military authorities.
Perhaps one of the most moving and poignant lines in one of Gordon's letters reads "Wouldn't it be wonderful if all our letters could be published in a more enlightened time..."
This short piece hopefully goes someway in fulfilling Gordon's wish, as well as remembering and celebrating all those men and women who suffered the same persecution during that less enlightened time.
Click here to see more of Craig Bingham's work.