Smile on your face

I recently read Michael Troughton’s biography of his father, Patrick Troughton, the second Dr Who. He was Dr Who from 1966 to 1969, and was the first one that I properly remember, although I have a few hazy memories of the William Hartnell years. Like many children of my generation I watched Dr Who while peeping out from behind the couch, and the monsters were genuinely terrifying to me. I kept watching the programme particularly through the Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker years, and they were great, but my favourite was always Patrick Troughton. I still watch Dr Who and have enjoyed its excellent revival in the 2000s. 

Anyway, back to the biography, which was very good. Michael Troughton used many excerpts from his father’s letters and I noticed that Patrick used to sign them off with the phrase “Smile on your face.” I tried to find out if this was a quote or a saying, but could find nothing on the Internet. I know that people often say “That put a smile on my / your face” but the abbreviated version stuck in my mind. 

So I emailed Michael Troughton to ask him where his Dad had got that particular phrase. 

Here is his lovely response.

Good morning Susan,

I am so glad you enjoyed the biography.
’Smile on your face’ was an expression Dad started using during the war. 
When ever he was saying good bye to my mum to go on patrol he said he would think of her smile.
He never stopped using the expression, as many of the letters I have found all have this as a sign off.
It was later a general Dad expression for keep happy and positive.
He would probably be using it a lot during these uncertain times.

Keep well and safe.

’Smile on your Face'

Regards
Michael