How Many Children Did Roald Dahl’s Father Have With His First Wife?

London, UK – Roald Dahl, celebrated as one of the most imaginative children’s authors of the 20th century, is often recognized for his remarkable literary contributions that have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. However, delving into Dahl’s family history unveils a tale of migration, love, and loss that influenced the famed author’s life from an early age.

Roald Dahl was born in 1916 to Harald Dahl and Sofie Magdalene Dahl (née Hesselberg) in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales. His Norwegian heritage was a significant part of his identity, with his parents being immigrants from Norway who had settled in the UK. Dahl’s father, Harald Dahl, was a successful shipbroker and a self-made man. However, his journey to a prosperous life in the UK was intertwined with personal trials and triumphs.

Harald Dahl’s first marriage was to Marie Beaurin-Gresser, a Frenchwoman. Together, they had two children, Ellen Marguerite and Louis, before Marie tragically passed away in 1907. This loss marked a sorrowful chapter in Harald’s life, but it was not the end of his quest for love and happiness.

In 1911, Harald Dahl found love again, this time with Sofie Magdalene Hesselberg, Roald Dahl’s mother. Sofie hailed from a prominent Norwegian family with a lineage of lawyers, priests, merchants, and estate owners. Her marriage to Harald Dahl led her to leave Norway and become a part of her husband’s life in the UK.

Roald Dahl, the couple’s second child together, was born in Cardiff. The Dahl household was steeped in Norwegian culture, with Norwegian being the primary language spoken at home. Roald’s first language was Norwegian, and he shared his childhood with three sisters: Astri, Alfhild, and Else.

Tragedy struck the Dahl family early on when Roald was just three years old. His beloved sister Astri passed away from appendicitis in 1920. This heartbreaking loss was followed by another when Harald Dahl succumbed to pneumonia later that same year at the age of 57. Harald left behind a substantial fortune that was assessed for probate at £158,917 10s. 0d., equivalent to £6,791,035 in 2021.

Despite these profound losses, Sofie Dahl made the decision to remain in Wales instead of returning to Norway. Harald had expressed a desire for their children to receive an English education, which he considered among the world’s best. This choice would profoundly influence Roald Dahl’s upbringing and later inspire his appreciation for the English language and schooling.

Throughout his childhood, Dahl’s education took him through a series of schools, each with its unique experiences. His time at The Cathedral School in Llandaff was marked by an infamous prank involving a dead mouse and a sweet shop owned by the formidable Mrs. Pratchett, inspiring the “Great Mouse Plot of 1924.”

Dahl later attended St. Peter’s boarding school in Weston-super-Mare, followed by Repton School in Derbyshire from 1929 to 1934. His experiences at these institutions, particularly at Repton, were colored by hazing and ritual cruelty, an aspect he would later reflect upon in his writings.

Harsh discipline and beatings by older boys marred Dahl’s time at Repton. The psychological impact of these experiences would remain with him throughout his life and be expressed in his works, along with his abhorrence of cruelty and corporal punishment.

After completing his schooling, Dahl embarked on a journey that took him across the Atlantic, through Newfoundland, and eventually to Africa. He joined the Shell Petroleum Company in 1934, working initially in Kenya and then in Dar es Salaam, Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania). It was during this period that Dahl developed a taste for adventure and encountered remarkable wildlife in Africa.

The outbreak of World War II prompted Dahl’s transition into a new role. He joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1939, initially serving in Africa. Dahl’s journey as an RAF pilot took him from flying obsolete biplane fighter aircraft to combat engagements over Greece. His remarkable experiences in the war shaped not only his personal life but also found their way into his later writings.

While Dahl’s father, Harald, played a significant role in shaping the family’s history, it is also essential to acknowledge the enduring legacy of Sofie Magdalene Dahl. Her decision to remain in the UK, driven by a commitment to her husband’s vision for their children’s education, had a profound impact on Roald Dahl’s life. This unique fusion of Norwegian and British influences would ultimately contribute to the magic and allure of his beloved stories.

As readers continue to cherish Roald Dahl’s literary creations, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of his family history, a narrative that parallels the complexity and wonder of his imaginative tales.