Retirement 1941-1970

In retirement Dowding was increasingly drawn to Spiritualism. Between 1943 and 1951 he wrote 5 books as well as becoming a regular lecturer around the country and a contributor to Psychic News. His books were Many Mansions, Lychgate, The Entrance to the Path: God’s Magic, An Aspect of Spiritualism, The Dark Star. In these books he set out his beliefs: his communications with people who had died, his “Guide and Guardian” and the messages he received from dead airmen.

He had given up his hobby of shooting and become a vegetarian, believing that civilised humanity would, in time, come to regard the eating of animals as cannibalism is regarded today. And as well as a firm belief in Fairies, Dowding noted that “Flying saucers are certainly not a joke and it is surprising that they should be so generally regarded in that light.”

In his second wife (Muriel Whiting) Dowding found a soulmate who shared many of his beliefs. Their shared concern of cruelty to animals led to “The Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research” established by the National Anti-Vivisection Society in 1973. Hugh and Muriel lived in Tunbridge Wells, with Muriel’s son Derek and their many animals, and Hugh continued with his interests in Spiritualism and skiing. He would meet his sister, Hilda, to skate in Richmond; his stepson recalling “It was a wonderful sight to see these two elderly people, straight as flag staffs, gracefully weaving delicate patterns on the ice as they waltzed to the music.”

To mark their 15^th wedding anniversary in 1966, Hugh gave Muriel an amethyst diamond ring with a note : “To the love of my life. Isn’t it fun-she’s also my wife!”

He died on 15^th February 1970.

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