Thursday 6 October 2022 10:22 AM Toby Jones discovers his grandfather was shot in the face during World War II trends now
Toby Jones has delved into his late grandparents' extraordinary love story after they were separated as a consequence of global conflict during World War II.
The actor, whose film credits include Dad's Army and Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy, was given a unique opportunity to posthumously research the impact it had on their lives for Channel 4 show My Grandparents’ War.
And Jones, 56, admits getting involved in the project deepened his regret at not asking grandparents Reggie and Doreen Heselwood about their experiences while they were still alive, despite being intrigued by a curious wartime scar on his grandfather's face.
Looking back: Toby Jones has delved into his late grandparents' extraordinary love story after they were separated as a consequence of global conflict during World War II
The actor has since discovered Reggie was caught by a bullet while fighting with the British Royal Artillery in Burma at the height of World War II, leaving him with a permanent scar and lingering PTSD.
Jones said: 'I knew they did some extraordinary things during the war but we never spoke about this momentous time in their lives.'
Reggie was separated from Doreen for three years after being posted to Burma and India, where the conflict raged deep within unpredictable jungle terrain.
Family: Jones admits the research has deepened his regret at not asking grandparents Reggie and Doreen Heselwood (pictured) about their experiences while they were still alive
Poignant: The actor was given a unique opportunity to posthumously research the impact it had on their lives for Channel 4 show My Grandparents’ War
But he would maintain contact with his wife - a professional actress - through a weekly series of letters that would continue until his return to the United Kingdom in 1945.
Doreen played her own part in the war after volunteering for the Entertainments National Service Association, a job that involved lifting the morale of battle-weary soldiers with musical performances in areas still divided by conflict.
Reflecting on his connection to Doreen, Jones - who made a 10,000 mile trip to India while tracing his grandfather's wartime footsteps -
