Belinda Probert, author of "Bill's Secrets," uncovers the hidden past of her father, a decorated English war hero. The conversation reveals shocking family secrets about his identity as Roy and his life as a spy for British intelligence post-war. Belinda shares poignant memories of her complex relationship with him and how World War II shaped their family dynamics. They explore themes of classism, identity, and the quiet echoes of war, painting a vivid picture of resilience and transformation in the face of obscured legacies.
Belinda Probert's discovery of her father's true identity as Roy, hidden behind the facade of a war hero, reshaped her understanding of familial secrets.
The podcast illustrates how Bill Probert's experiences during World War II influenced his later decision to reinvent himself, leaving behind emotional scars.
Belinda's exploration of her father's life highlighted the complexities of personal transformation, blending admiration with feelings of betrayal as his past unraveled.
Deep dives
Belinda's Childhood Memories of Her Father
Belinda Probert recalls her father as a powerful presence during her childhood, characterized by his glamorous lifestyle and frequent travels. She remembers him as an Englishman who was well-spoken, with a charming voice and a distinct style, always dressed immaculately in a suit. Despite his selling-point appeal, he was emotionally distant and did not engage with the family regarding his past or personal history. This lack of openness made it difficult for Belinda to grasp the complexities of her father's life, which only began to unravel after his death.
The Unraveling of Bill's Identity
Four months after Bill's death, a letter from a Welsh relative revealed his true origins, including that he was born as Roy Probert, not Bill. This revelation shocked Belinda and her family, who had only known him as a successful businessman and decorated war hero. The letter disclosed that Bill had lived a deceitful life, concealing his family background and his roots in working-class Wales, where he had a full family that he never spoke of or acknowledged. This discovery prompted Belinda to delve into her father's past, attempting to piece together the man he had become and the life he had left behind.
Bill's Experiences During the War
Belinda discusses her father's participation in the Second World War, where he served in military intelligence and completed daring missions. He rose through the ranks, which she attributes to his intelligence and skill in languages, essential traits in wartime espionage. In particular, his operations in France's Pyrenees were significant, as they involved working with resistance groups to conduct guerrilla warfare against German forces. Despite many accolades, such as the Distinguished Service Order, Bill never shared the details of these experiences, further complicating Belinda's understanding of her father's character.
The Complex Legacy of Reinvention
Bill's decision to reinvent himself after the war became a focal point for Belinda as she tried to understand why he cut ties with his past. The transformation from Roy to Bill showcased his remarkable ability to adapt and embrace a new identity, yet it left behind emotional scars and unanswered questions. Belinda speculates that perhaps it was his difficult upbringing, including a tyrannical mother, that spurred him to erase his origins and pursue a life of privilege as an Englishman. This quest for a new life complicated his relationships with his family and fueled Belinda's desire to uncover the truth about her father.
The Impact of Discovery on Family Dynamics
Belinda's investigation into her father's hidden life intertwined her feelings about him and her family's history, reshaping her perception of his character. While she initially felt admiration for her father’s achievements, understanding his life of duplicity introduced a moral complexity; he was neither entirely admirable nor wholly deceptive. As Belinda pieced together the fragmented stories of his life, she developed a nuanced appreciation for the struggles he overcame during his transformation while also grappling with feelings of betrayal. Ultimately, this exploration allowed for a more profound understanding of the man he was, capturing both his flaws and strengths.
Belinda Probert knew her father as an English war hero named Bill. What she didn't know, was that he was born Roy and that his spying did not end when the war did.
Belinda Probert knew her father to be a decorated English war hero and successful businessman, whose family had all died long ago.
But a few months after Bill Probert died as an old man in France, a letter arrived at her mother’s house from a man claiming to be her father’s nephew.
Slowly, the much more complicated story of Bill's life unfurled — a story of forgotten family, new identities, spying, and a man who simply decided to make himself anew.
Belinda decided to track down the truth of her father’s origins and in doing so she also learned that his work with the British intelligence didn’t end when the war was over.
This episode of Conversations explores family secrets, family dynamics, spying, MI6, MI5, ancestry, origin stories, epic adventures, love, Wales, coal mining, classism, class warfare, World War Two, France, Normandy, Nazis, Germany, emigration, brotherhood, parenting, fathers and daughters.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
