Acknowledgements

This project is the result of coincidence, curiosity and adaptation. If any scientific principle can be referenced it is hermeneutics – research without a predefined hypothesis. It could also be described as inspired by the oral history tradition exemplified by the work of Studs Terkel. What is beyond any doubt is that it is the result of generous cooperation and the sharing of information by many people.

At the time of writing, this project has been underway since 2021. It is now entering its second phase, during which I intend to begin sharing my findings and hope to also succeed in discovering more details. There are a number of people to whom I owe a debt of gratitude for their assistance and support. To all, I extend my heartfelt thanks.

Nothing would have been possible were it not for the actions and decisions of David Keiller, Johan Beckman and Gustaf Krafft. Likewise, the work carried out by Martin Fritz forms the very foundation for my own efforts. They have all been invaluable.

Alain Bille has been indispensable in tracking down family information, without which many of my findings would have been impossible, and has thus been instrumental in the progress of my research. Sébastien Albertelli, Laurent Thiery, Stephane Cauchois, Pierre Tillet, Hélène Staes, Elfriede Schulz and Robert Body have also generously shared findings, information and knowledge.

Context and guidance have been provided by Christian Dinesen, Jan Bergman, Jan Ottosson, Erik Näslund, Philip Boobyer, Nicholas Shakespeare, Robert Lyman and Nigel Perrin, all of whom, at various points, have opened new doors and made continued progress possible.

Members of my own extended family who have played an important part in this work include Ove Bergqvist, Marie Wickman-Chantereau, Sassa Wickman, Andreas Wickman, Karin Sternberg, Erik Mellgren, Ann Lanzourakis, Kristina Wirén, Peter Danckwerts and Ulrika Glaser-Rydberg. Equally important have been members of the Tainturier family; Bernard Tainturier and Marie-Claude Tainturier, Geneviève Thiebault-Tainturier and Edouard Thiebault, Marie-Hèléne Plat, and Mireille Felix.

I would also like to thank Frédéric Le Maître, Peter Dutton and Lars-Jonas Kjellberg.

As the writing progresses, so will this list. It is incomplete and will evolve. Please read it as it is – in a state of flux. Please also give my tolerant and understanding wife Lina a thought for putting up with me being constantly preoccupied – all in memory of love lost.