Dumble

On the afternoon of 9 February 1988, Tom Sackville's father, Billy De La Warr (10th Earl De La Warr), affectionately known to his family as 'Dumble', went down onto the platform of the tube station at St. James's Park, and threw himself in the path of an incoming train. On the afternoon of 9 February 1988, Tom Sackville's father, Billy (10th Earl) De La Warr, affectionately known to his family as Dumble, went down onto the platform of St James's Park underground station and threw himself in the path of an incoming train. In Dumble Tom Sackville sets out to understand the peculiar life of his father. He explores Dumble's eccentric ancestry, dysfunctional upbringing, unusual choices in his army, industry and political careers, often uncomfortable marriage and the problems that plagued him throughout his life and ultimately led to his death. The result is a touching and unique portrait of a father by his son. The reader follows Sackville as he attempts to make sense of his father's beliefs, decisions and tragic ending.