(from left to right) Ernest Caldwell, Iris Caldwell, Alan "Rory Storm" Caldwell, and Violet "Vi" Caldwell.
" Throughout this period [after WWII] we can also get a sense of the kindness of this 'mild-mannered' man, as Ernie began to take notice of people's situations during his work. If he saw a home with no fire burning during the cold months he would later return to leave a bag of coal on the doorstep. He would often set out early for work, giving himself enough time to clean the windows free of charge for many who could not afford to pay. He would also give his time to a number of charities, and even sent crates of oranges to Russia when he heard that people were starving there.
(..) By [1944] it was also clear that young Alan had a bad speech impediment. At first, the family doctor tried to help Alan. He was then sent to have hypnosis therapy, but it failed to help him control his stammer. A stutter back in those days was not looked upon kindly, with those who stammered being classed as stupid. He also had a new hobby - fire. He would light fires on the bombed areas that he played on, then wait until the firemen arrived to put the fire out, fascinated as he watched them. Alan attended Broad Green Infants and Juniors school. He liked it, but struggled with his speech.
Although his stammer was rather severe, Alan would not let it hold him back. He loved playing out, was full of energy, and had turned into a practical joker, telling one teacher who asked him his name that it was 'Alan Cornflake' as it was easier for him to say than Caldwell. "
- FROM A STORM TO A HURRICANE: Rory Storm & the Hurricanes, Anthony Hogan (2016)