W.N Alty was born in 1922, in Dewsbury, Yorkshire. He arrived into a country, if not a world, in a deep depression.

He was an only child and for the first five years of his life his father was mainly unemployed, and to say that the family was poor would be an understatement. Like many others of his generation living in hard times, he considered himself lucky to have what he had – a supportive extended family, some intelligence and aspirations of a better future.

His luck became more tangible during the war years. Although probably exempt from being ‘called up’, he decided to join the service of his choice rather than possibly have no choice at all. On many occasions, as detailed in his book of wartime experiences  ‘Better Born Lucky Than Rich’, he was in the right place at the right time or, incredibly, had left the wrong place just in time.

The book ‘Fore and Aft’ covers the story of his life so far, before 1940 and after 1946. While it is just the life experiences and details of one man, it covers growing up pre-war, the  ups and downs of many years including his post-war work as a Marine Engineer, many characters met, jobs experienced, and insights learnt.

This website has been set up on his behalf by his Grandaughter, so more may read some of his experiences or choose to buy his self published book.

All profits from either book go to the Alzheimers Society in memory of his wife and my wonderful Nana, Jacqueline Alty.