Who was John Lennon's biological father?
 |
| Freddie Lennon in the mid 1960s |
He was without a doubt a gold-digging attention seeker who showed up in Lennon's life again when he was famous. He... even tried to scratch some money recording some songs after Lennon's death. Reddit comment on Alfred Lennon (1912-1976)
Alfred Lennon does not get a good press. The standard portrayal is of a wastrel who bailed on his wife and baby, returning decades later to by 'blackmail' his abandoned son by cashing on his worldwide fame.
One recent critic accuses Freddie of continuing to cash-in from beyond the grave see above.
Absent without leave?
John Lennon’s biological parents first met as teenagers in Sefton Park, Liverpool in 1927. Eleven years later they still barely knew each other — but in December 1938 married 'for a dare, a lark', (Lewisohn). That afternoon they went to the cinema and the following day Alf went back to sea
War and a baby came in quick succession - but the marriage remained nominal. Julia never lived with Alf and he went back to sea before John was born.
He never really came back. Alfred and Julia Lennon were legally separated in 1942. A year later he went absent without leave from the merchant navy - eventually resurfacing after a spell in a north African prison. According to his account this was for stealing a single bottle of beer.
Blackpool Showdown
Meanwhile, Julia was bringing up her son, while working in cafes and bar in Liverpool. She was also cementing her reputation as the Stanley family black sheep. A second child with a Welsh soldier was put for adoption. Then she began a relationship with John 'Bobby' Dykins, who she would later marry.
Julian, Bobby and the five-year-old shared a double bed - not optimum, whichever way you sliced it. Shopped to the local social services by her elder sister, Julia agreed (semi-voluntarily) gave up care of her son to Mimi.
Alfred would make a final, melodramatic appearance in John’s childhood. Returning to Liverpool on shore leave in June 1946 he managed to persuade Mimi to take his son out for the afternoon.
With the vaguest plan to establish custody of his son, Alf/Fred took a train to the seaside. Julia set off in hot pursuit - leading to the notorious tug-of-love on Blackpool promenade.
Forced to choose between his parents, John went with Mum. Dad then disappeared for eighteen years. As John told Hunter Davies "It was like he was dead."
But like Mr Kruger, Freddie would eventually make a comeback.
When Fred Met Julia - full 4 minute free read on Medium
