Dahl lost one of his parents at a young age (although it was his father, not his mother).
Captain Lancaster was based on one of Roald Dahl's teachers, Captain Hardcastle.
Like Danny's father, Roald Dahl's mother was outraged to learn that her son had been caned at school, but unlike Danny's father, she actually did storm out to confront the headmaster concerned.
Dahl had a friend who had a passion for poaching.
Dahl taught his children to drive at a very young age.
