The 1940s Society

For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

Issue 71 January / February 2012 £3.00

Blitz Diary Carol Harris shares accounts from Britains darkest days

Riviera Swing Bryan Webb interviews the events organiser

Nat Gonella Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie” explores the legend

Diary Events and much more....

The 1940’s Society, 90 Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UX Tel: 01732 452505 Web: www.1940.co.uk Email: [email protected]

1 Starting Afresh The 1940s Society Its good to start a year with enthusiasm and a real yearning to For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain make things better. With this in mind, I’ve been taking a look at the Society to see what can be improved and what changes can be Regular meetings at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks made. Are meetings held on the right day of the week? Can we hold meetings at other locations? Is the website useful? Can the Friday 27th January 2012 - 8pm magazine be improved? What do members want? This is where your input is essential. I can and will instigate changes but if you do have views or ideas then I need you to let me The Blitz know. Drop me an email or a note in the post with your thoughts. Remarkable Accounts from Britains Darkest Days Carol Harris A number of changes are already being worked on. The Society website has had small changes but the design and layout has been the same for over 15 years! This will soon change. I hope that by In September 1939 massive air raids the March magazine I will be able to announce a total redesign has against civilians were anticipated. Cities taken place and the site will be a slick, easy to navigate and strategic ports were the first to be hit masterpiece. Log onto the website now so you can compare in a and London was a major target throughout months time. the war.

The magazine is also something I would like to improve on in 2012 But it was not only the capital that suffered: and hope that you will see some changes in the coming months. To on 8 November 1940 30,000 incendiary increase the size and scope of the magazine it needs funding in the bombs rained down on Coventry. Port cities form of sponsorship, advertising, and subscriptions. If you can help such as Plymouth, Bristol and Liverpool also on any of these then please let me know. It also needs input from suffered especially badly. our members so put pen to paper. (There are still 1940s Society T-Shirts to be had for contributions). Carol Harris has collected a remarkable series of accounts from these darkest days We’ve an exciting new year ahead, lets make it an exciting year for with heart-warming stories of survival, the 1940s Society. perseverance, solidarity and bravery. She will be sharing some of these accounts with us to give us a very personal and down to Ian earth view of one of the most important and destructive periods in Britains History. Please renew your subscription for 2012 on-line at www.1940.co.uk or fill out and return the form on the back of this magazine. Don’t miss what is sure to be an excellent and informative evening.

If you have any comments, articles or information of interest we would be pleased to consider it for future use. Please contact us at: The 1940’s Society, 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2UX or email us at: [email protected] .

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part and in any form whatsoever, is strictly prohibited without the prior permission of the editor. Whilst every care is taken with material submitted to ‘The 1940s Society”, no responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the 1940s Society. Friendly meetings learning more about life in the 1940’s. Whilst every effort has been made to contact all copyright holders, the sources of some pictures that may be used are obscure. The Meetings start at 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall, Nr. Sevenoaks. publishers will be glad to make good in future editions any error or omissions brought to their attention. The publication of any quotes or illustrations on which clearance has not been given is unintentional. Admission £3. Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 or visit the Web Site at: www.1940.co.uk Designed and produced by Ian Bayley. . © Ian Bayley 2012

2 3 For music, books, and a variety of other wartime BLITZ DIARY related items In her January talk, Carol Harris will present first-hand accounts of life under fire in Britain, the subject of her latest book, Blitz Diary. In these extracts from some of the diaries and memoirs featured in the book, eyewitnesses talk about attacks by V-weapons.

By the summer of 1944, air passing overhead was not so raids on the UK by massed worrying as the silence when the ranks of Luftwaffe bombers engine cut out and the missile were no longer part of daily descended. life. However many people in Britain were about to experience Thousands of V-1s were a new phase in the aerial war, launched between June 1944 the unmanned weapons known and March 1945. Two weeks as the V-1 and the V-2. The ‘V’ after the first V-1 landed in the stood for ‘Vergeltungswaffe’ UK, teenager Kenneth Holmes New selection of posters now available (retaliation weapon). The V-1 started recording his thoughts: was commonly referred to in www.1940.co.uk Britain as the ‘fly-bomb’, ‘buzz- 28 June 1944 bomb’ or, by Americans, as the I have decided to write this ‘doodlebug’. The missile was diary after 13 days of almost a pilotless plane powered by a incessant air attacks on London simple jet engine. It travelled at by Hitler’s much vaunted ‘Secret speeds of up to 350 miles an Weapon’ the ‘Flying Bomb’ hour before falling to earth and since named by the public ‘buzz exploding. For people in the bombs’ and ‘pilotless planes’, target areas, the drone of a V-1 later officially termed by the German High Command as V-1s.

4 5 saved by this prompt action of of weapons. This was in part the authorities and the speed because it did not want to give with which they worked, in the enemy valuable information typical London fashion of getting about the effect and accuracy of on with the job. I was on the the attacks. Also, in relation to scene within 3 minutes and the V-2, it could give no advice found the various organisations on effective defence or counter -- military, CD and police -- all measures. busily engaged…..I thanked God I was safe and uninjured, though Betty Bullard was serving in the there was a a little shaken. The average Women’s Auxiliary Air Force tremendous Londoner took it well though (WAAF). Her brother, Teddy (Dr explosion many said they would prefer the Edward Bullard), was Scientific which shook Blitz bombs to these weapons. Adviser to the Air Ministry and the Admiralty. In her diary, the entire Even more terrifying than the she commented on secret building and V-1s were the V-2s. These were discussions about V-2s. threw me I will always remember the decided to investigate. What rockets so anyone experiencing across the 20th June, our fifth day of I saw I will always remember. them heard first the distinctive 15th September 1944 floor flying bombs. I was in the The scene was indescribable; double crack as a V-2 travelled Teddy is advising Air Marshal Hill GPO in Tottenham Court Rd. the bomb had crashed about at supersonic speed, followed by at ADGB [Air Defence of Great when I heard a rumbling in 80yds away actually at the a heavy rushing sound. The first Britain] on the rocket bombs that the distance, which sounded rear of Tottenham Court Rd V-2 hit Chiswick, London, on 8th are arriving from Holland. They familiar as by this time I was police station, which is always September 1944. weigh 16 tons and travel faster becoming accustomed to the thronged with people. they were than sound, go 55 miles up into sound of flying bombs. But wandering about in a dazed The government suppressed the air and down again, and cost as the alert had not sounded condition, faces streaming with information about both types £40,000 each! Morrison [Herbert I decided to ignore it. At that blood. Mothers with bandaged moment the bell rang in the hands, legs and feet, covered building followed by the sirens. all over in dust; a horse lay The PO clerk said there was dead, a victim of the surprise ‘imminent danger and they were attack; shop windows completely closing’ (and she wasn’t joking). blown out and shattered huge I strolled across the road to my lumps of masonry -- some employment and had just got smeared with blood, and inside the building when there glass scattered everywhere. was a tremendous explosion Ambulances [were] speeding which shook the entire building in both directions; civil defence and threw me across the floor workers already searching for a matter of six or seven yards. victims; civil and military police, I picked myself up and found including Americans, moving the the room full of dust as though sightseers onwards. American a terrific gust of wind had blown soldiers were even helping the in. I thought my last hour had rescuers in their work, which come. I went out into the street gained the admiration of all and saw a great pall of smoke onlookers, including myself. rising further down the road, and Many lives must have been

6 7 Morrison, the Home Secretary] explosion. Security measures find out at what angles they has not allowed anything to are very strict apparently as came down and to fire in those We then sat and waited, be given out to the papers yet the public are not encouraged directions and so explode them sometimes talking, sometimes and everyone is talking about to refer to these explosions as in the air. just sitting -- but never mysterious bangs and “gas rockets but they are still being sleeping. it was very difficult mains” blowing up. talked about as ‘gas main Normally, the Receiver was to stay awake. But it was explosions’ which of course rotated in its search for targets, most important to stay awake, One week later, at home in north seems absurd -- though as only when directly facing a because when we had to move London, Kenneth Holmes was obviously to prevent the target could it pick up a signal. we had to move FAST! As soon drawing his own conclusions: enemy from knowing where Now we were to do a ‘watch’ as a V-2 was launched from people soon these have actually landed. every night from 7pm to 8.30am its site across the Channel, referred to Thursday 14 September 1944 One of these landed near and for this purpose both the Joan received a command, ‘Big V-2s as I was awakened this morning London Bridge railway station Transmitter and the Receiver Ben! Big Ben! Big Ben!’ She at 5am by two more shattering and the other at Clapham would be lashed to a certain repeated this to us. We then ’flying gas ‘explosions’. Both the Junction. There is still no bearing, so that if any target operated switches according mains’ ‘explosions’ shook the house mention of these ‘mysterious were seen on the tubes, it would to a specified ‘drill’ We gazed and rattled the windows. I was explosions’ in either press or be coming in on that bearing….. steadily at the illuminated tube told later that the explosions radio. waiting for a target to appear. (which I think are the enemies I was on the first watch with We knew that the target would long range rockets shells) On 8th November 1944, the Joy and Joan. We went into the be moving at a fantastic speed. occurred at Walthamstow and German High Command Receiver at 10pm and stayed As soon as the V-2 crossed Dagenham in Essex again. broadcast details of V-2 there until 7.30am when we the coast of England we got I have been looking in every attacks on Britain so two days were relieved for breakfast. For the command, ‘Alarm! Alarm. paper to see if there was any later, Churchill told Parliament this operation we did not need Alarm!’ We watched even mention of these ‘explosions’ but about the V-2s. The following transmitter operators. Joan (our closer. It was not often that we there is nothing at all. Why are day the Daily Herald’s front number one) wore headphones did see anything, which did not we not being told about these? page reported on an attack in with a tannoy fitment. She bother us at all as we were very Obviously security measures, southern England, under the had a stopwatch and a pad of conscious of the fact that when which convinces me that they headlines, ‘ ”Comets” that dive forms to fill in. Every half hour a we did, the ‘thing’ was coming must be rockets. from 70 miles’ and ‘Rockets voice would come through the straight for us!! that carry burning acid’. headphones. ‘Synchronise stop Official explanations that watches! Five… eight, nine, ten While we were gazing at the destruction by V-2s was a result On an anti-aircraft site in and the time is…!’ and Joan tubes, Joan would be receiving, of gas mains exploding were Becton, East London, Betty checked her stopwatch. ‘Five.. ..eight, nine, TEN! So greeted with increasing cynicism Holbrook, an ATS (Auxiliary and people soon referred to V-2s Territorial Service) Radar as ’flying gas mains’. Operator was being briefed. After the war, she wrote about Six weeks after the attacks her attempts to intercept the started, Kenneth noted: V-2s:

Thursday 26 October 1944 One day all the Radar There were two tremendous Operators were called together explosions early this morning for a meeting. Something followed as usual by the new was in the air. V-2s had rumbling sound as if buildings become a menace and the are crumbling down – after the latest idea was to try and

8 9 when there was something on After that episode we never the screen we had to record went around alone, always there National Aeronautics and Space Bearings and Angles every five were at least two together. Administration (NASA), where seconds. We called these out to he developed the Saturn V (five) Joan who recorded them on a British anti-aircraft defences booster rocket which was used special form which was taken to and RAF fighters were able to in the first moon landings. London by a dispatch rider early destroy many V-1s before they the next morning. reached their target areas. Also, More prosaically, V-1s and V-2s the last German agents captured in became the forerunners of the person to be Betty later experienced a V-2 at Britain sent false reports back unmanned weapons and long- killed by a V-2 close quarters: to Germany about the weapon’s range ballistic rockets used in accuracy, so many V-1s and modern warfare. was Mrs. Ivy I was walking from the V-2s missed the intended target Millichamp, Transmitter to the Manning Hut, of central London and fell Casualties from V-1s and V-2s in Britain aged 34, who deep in thought, when, suddenly instead in Kent and Essex killing V1 V2 was at her I found myself being rushed and injuring. Killed 6,184 2,754 seriously Injured 17,981 6,523 home in backwards, absolutely unable Total 24,165 9,277 Kynaston to help myself. The air around V-2s were impossible to and above me was vibrating intercept but the rockets Road, in madly. I was horribly frightened. were too expensive to be ‘Blitz Diary - Life under fire in Orpington, I was nearly back to where manufactured in the numbers world war ll’ by Carol Harris Kent. the Transmitter stood and was needed to make them effective is published by The History wondering what was going to strategically. Press and sell for £9.99. The happen when the TX and myself ISBN is 9780752451725. meet. There was a tremendous Attacks from V-weapons explosion and pieces came continued until the last week of down out of the sky. I saw March 1945; the last person to everything as through a rippling be killed by a V-2 was Mrs. Ivy pool of water. For a second Millichamp, aged 34, who was at everything was quiet. The TX her home in Kynaston Road, in door opened and two came out, Orpington, Kent. looking as amazed as I felt. We looked at one another and said In total, over 33,000 people together, ‘Yes, it WAS!’ And were killed or injured by V-1s pretended to wipe perspiration and V-2s in Britain. But while from our brows. Pretended?!! the V-weapons strikes were That was a V-2 exploding in unnerving, the destruction they the air. Just a few yards from caused was less then than that where I had been standing, I of the Blitz of 1940-1941. found a big wheel-like thing full of marble-sized ball-bearings. At the end of the war, Werner If you would like to hear It was heavy: this was part von Braun, the designer of the more, come along to the of a V-2. It was well and truly V-2, and other scientists in the 1940s Society meeting on embedded in the ground. I was Nazi’s project were secretly 27 January where Carol will just a little shaken. But I picked recruited by the American also have copies of the book it up to keep as a souvenir, government. Von Braun which she can sign. forever! eventually worked for the US

10 11 IT’S A BRITISH SWING THING ON THE RIVIERA There seems to be lots of dance events catering for those with an interest in the American style of music but what about all those authentic British sounds. Bryan Webb tells us about a new event which hopes to redress the balance.

Fancy stepping into a really fashion, culture, food etc). The British vintage weekend of great Torch Club fills to capacity with music, fantastic entertainment 2,000 revellers – last Summer and a period atmosphere? dancing to the vintage dance Get yourself along to the music from Ondrej Havelka & his RIVIERIA SWING weekend Melody Makers. in Torquay this March where you can experience vintage I caught up with Mark recently to entertainment with a particularly chat about his plans for a truly British Slant! That’s the unique British Vintage seaside difference for members of the weekender! 1940s Society to enjoy – we get plenty of exposure to the “So, come on Mark – British American music of the period dance on the map sounds and now you can redress the perfect - where did the idea VIV The SPIV balance with an exciting new come from?” For all your event for 2012. “I began to realise that the WARTIME EVENTS So where did this new event 1940’s scene in the UK really come from? just revolves around the style Advertise It is the brainchild of Mark of the US. This is why I always ‘Snowboy’ Cotgrove who you include a tea dance at Vintage here will know as the curator of the and have Foxtrot, Quickstep and 1930’s / 40’s Torch Ballroom at the Waltz taught as opposed to Wayne Hemingway’s celebrated Lindy Hop, Shag and Balboa, for as little Mark ‘Snowboy’ ‘Vintage’ festivals (which is a after all, they are the dances we Cotgrove, organiser as £20 of Riviera Swing. celebration of British music, did in the ballrooms in the 30’s Top Quality Merchandise Always In-Stock (No Coupons Required)

Call 07956 282186 Email [email protected]

12 13 and 40’s. I was most surprised Foxtrot to some Jack Payne or to find that most dancers Billy Cotton? There will be tea involved in the 40’s scene don’t dances every afternoon which know these dances at all.” incorporate novelty dances of the day which can then be “That sounds like you decided danced in the evening, a daily to become a promoter then singalong in the lovely snug bar Mark?” in the middle of the hotel with pianist and singer Kate Garner “I never intended to be a (daughter of Chas ‘Chas ‘n’ promoter but my friend Tony Dave’ Hodges). There will be a Morrison runs Salsa weekends Who couldn’t full-on cinema experience over down in a lovely hotel called anticipate the weekend too. My brother The Victoria in Torquay, Devon Paul runs film-festivals and and he told me that he’d been the fun to be exhibits films for a living. This offered a spare weekend and had with Viv won’t just be a film being shown did I want to try something? It The Spiv on a pull-down screen in a bar, “We can truly say there will be appealed to me. I’m an ex- calling you will experience wonderful something for everyone?” Butlins Redcoat and ex-Warners Bingo? films of the era on a large Green Coat and certainly had screen. On Saturday we have “Indeed – I am really keen to ambitions to have been an a huge Vintage market (open to make this inclusive and get Entertainments Manager at a the public), so there’ll be a lot everyone along – if you’ve been holiday camp, and here was of hustle and bustle going on, to a weekender before then this lovely small hotel offered to what with the dance classes, tea come and try this one for size. me. With Tony’s experience of “Is there any competition and dance and singalong going on If you thought, that’s not for me doing weekenders already and has this been done before?” too. In the evening we have just with weekender in the past – with the experience and contacts one orchestra or group playing. then come to the Riviera Swing I’ve had from ‘Vintage’ and the “Despite obvious clashes with This is not a festival with loads and experience a truly magical thrill of the thought of being an other events I don’t see anyone of bands. One will have dinner British Vintage experience. Entertainments Manager and else as competition. There’s and come into the ballroom and What’s more British than a lovely offering a fun-packed weekend nothing at all like ‘Riviera Swing’ settle down ready for a good fun-packed period event in a of vintage entertainment . . . I on the market. How could there nights entertainment where the hotel on the English Riviera?” The Victoria Hotel, had to do it!” be? I’ve taken the principle DJ’s Okay For Sound, Jeff Two- Torquay of the ‘Vintage’ festival and Tone Boogie and Rob Be Bop “Right – I’m convinced and acknowledged that the majority will keep the room entertained thrilled to be part of it playing of the 40’s scene want to dance in between the bands intervals, vintage 1930s music as Okay Lindy Hop, Balboa and Shag all hosted by the wonderful Viv for Sound – see you on the and I expect my DJ’s to play The Spiv. As the weekenders dance floor!” to them. Why would I want to develop, my main aim is to alienate 95% of the people that have a US ballroom and a go to such events? But, again, British Ballroom running at the like ‘Vintage’, the only dance same time, perhaps a little light If you would like to attend the classes on offer are Foxtrot, morning gambling and even Riviera Swing weekend or Quickstep and Waltz and so the perhaps a little Bingo. Who would like further information DJ’s will be pushing the British couldn’t anticipate the fun to be please see the advertisement dance bands too. What nicer had with Viv The Spiv calling on page 12. sight could there be than seeing Bingo?” a full floor dancing an elegant 14 15 Blitz & Bananas! Member Anna Littler gives an update on the new wartime based film and details of how you can still get involved.

People passing through Some of you may recall that Farnborough Village, Kent, one the film project started more sunny day last August were than 18 months ago as the somewhat surprised to see 70th Anniversary of the Blitz people walking through the prompted me to gather WW2 village with a huge tin bath and stories from people in the other props from the 1930s! Bromley / S.E. London area, Many stopped to watch, as an which I used to help create the elderly couple wearing long script for our WW2 family drama. johns and dressing gowns sat motionless on an old tin bath, The story is about a little girl, after being bombed out of their Bessie Smiley, and her sisters home. who are inspired to do ‘war work’ and they secretly set about We were filming some of the last rescuing people’s belongings few scenes for a local feature lost in the bombings. But film called Blitz & Bananas and Bessie’s kindness brings her were privileged to have TV face to face with the scariest actors Brian Murphy and Linda man in town - the ‘Grumpy Regan agree to take part. Brian Old Grandad’, played by actor, and Linda have added so much Brian Murphy. The film also emotion and humour to the film, includes stories about evacuees, have been so generous with Prisoners of War and even … their time and were such fun to a banana! work with on set.

16 17 Nat Gonella

This month see the start of a series of articles on impotant and influential musicians by 1940s DJ Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie”. This issue we focus on English band leader, cornetist, violinist, clarinetist and trumpeter Nat Gonella.

Nathaniel Charles (Nat) Gonella pit orchestra. Nat remained with was born on 7th March 1908 in Archie until 1928. It was during a deprived area of east London. this time that Nat became During his education at a Board acquainted the New Orleans of Guardians school (St Mary’s jazz style and the Louis Guardian School, Islington) Nat Armstrong early recordings. Nat I’m delighted that this has We would love you to join us took to playing the cornet and spent much time transcribing become a big community project for the afternoon on Sunday although being born into an Armstrong’s solos and learned involving C. 150 people of all 1st of April for this special Nat would sit underprivileged area Nat made them by heart. He then went abilities and ages – aged from community event. As well as outside the the most of his situation and on to work with Bob Brydens 1 month to 91 years! It started showing the feature film, we worked hard as a child. Time Louisville Band during 1928 with a group from Orpington also plan to have some vintage local dance away from school was spent and 1929. It was during this Video & Film Makers but the cars with us (and lots of other hall and practicing the cornet and Nat period that he also worked with film attracted so many other exciting vintage things!) to make listen to the would sit outside the local dance Archie Alexander in Brighton. volunteers (and several vintage the afternoon an educational bands and hall and listen to the bands and cars and 1930s houses!) that we wartime experience for the try to copy try to copy them. It was the end of 1929 when were able to achieve far more young, or a trip down memory them. Nat joined the Billy Cotton than we had anticipated! lane for the young at heart! On leaving school Nat started Band. It was moving to the work as a furrier’s apprentice Cotton band that gave Nat the We are so grateful that members Come along in wartime though he did not get on well exposure that he was looking of the 1940s Society have costumes and If there’s a group with this and was soon playing for, allowing him to work not also been involved – sharing of wartime dancers out there cornet and singing for Archie only on the concert stage but their wartime memories and who might like to add some Pitt’s Busby Boy’s Band, a also to record his first jazz knowledge, their acting skills swing to the occasion, please touring review band and junior solos and vocals as well as and their vintage cars! get in touch. working on radio.

We’ve not only made a feature Tickets can only be purchased in advance (don’t leave it too late) After tours with Cotton film but we’ve had great fun, from the Churchill Theatre, High throughout England and France learned new skills and made St, BROMLEY BR1 1HA. 0844 871 Nat played with Roy Fox for a lots of new friends! But it’s 7620 or contact Anna at anna@ short period in 1931. When Lew not too late to get involved! If blitzandbananas.com 01689 862 825. Stone (Fox’s former pianist) post-production, publicity or www.blitzandbananas.com took over the leadership of the helping to organise the Premiere Fox band in 1932 Nat stayed appeals to you, we’d value more The film is suitable for school aged children but contains references to war on. It was while working with Photographs by people helping our team if you’re and death. The film’s themes tie in with Stones band that Nat firmly Simon Earwicker/ close to the Orpington / Bromley Ced Verdon. the National Curriculum for Year 6. established his reputation as area! Just email me! a great musician and singer. 18 19 It was in 1932 (during Louis vocal style was reminiscent Scandinavian countries. He also music on his 65th birthday. Armstrong’s visit to London) of Louis Armstrong but was appeared in the British films ‘Pity The retirement did not last that by begging staff at Boosey overshadowed by his greater the Poor Rich’ and ‘Sing as You long as drummer Ted Easton and Hawke’s music shop, ability as a band leader and Swing’. persuaded Nat to play at his where Armstrong had left his cornetist. The Georgians took club in Holland during the mid trumpet for cleaning, that Nat their name from his popular At the outbreak of WWII Nat 70s. This led to a new recording Nat got to got to deliver the trumpet back version of “Georgia on My and The Georgians were in of “Oh, Monah” which Nat first deliver the to Armstrong. After this initial Mind” which he recorded in Sweden touring, and arrived recorded with Roy Fox in 1931. trumpet meeting Nat and Louis became 1932 for Lew Stone. After the back in England in the summer This recording became a big back to good friends. forming of The Georgians Nat of 1940. On joining the army in hit in Holland. This was to be Armstrong. quickly became a headline artist 1941 Nat was recruited into the his final trumpet outing, but he Nat formed his own band, The on the vibrant variety-circuit, ‘Stars in Battledress’ campaign. continued to sing after moving Georgians, in 1935. Not only continuing to top bills all over Lyttelton Nat toured Europe and Africa to Gosport, Hampshire, in 1977. did the band become popular the country. With The Georgians would and while in Africa he served He was well liked in Gosport and but more-so Nat himself as Nat toured not only England but confess, as as personal servant to Major would often give a performance cornetist and vocalist. Nat’s also Holland and most of the well as other Alexander Karet. When the war in local pubs or at the Gosport prominent was over he was offered the Jazz Club. Digby Fairweather’s musicians, position of personnel butler to New Georgians paid tribute the Major, refusing in order to to Gonella’s musical heritage to Gonella continue his musical career. in 1984, and Fairweather and having been After leaving the army Nat fellow trumpeter Humphrey his first jazz reformed his band naming them Lyttelton co-hosted a television hero. The New Georgians. Nat and tribute, Fifty Years of Nat The New Georgians were very Gonella, the following year, successful touring musical halls, in which Gonella himself was hotels and theatre’s through to an enthusiastic participant. the early 1950s. It was at this Nat Gonella died at his home time that Nat found work as a in Gosport on August 6, 1998, solo artist supporting various aged 90. acts and comedians such as Max Miller. Gonella was a down-to-earth and unassuming character, It was the advent of Trad Jazz and remained so throughout that bought Nat to reforming his life. On BBC Radio 4, Barry his band as The Georgian Jazz Humphries said that “Oh Mona” Band, working in night clubs was one of two tracks that had and theatres throughout the most appealed to him in his life. 1950s and early 1960s. Nat was Humphrey Lyttelton is among featured on the television show those who have testified to the ‘This Is Your Life’ in 1960, which fact that fame and success sat yielded the album ‘The Nat easily on his shoulders, and Gonella Story’. reports that he would show genuine astonishment when In 1962 Nat moved to Lyttelton would confess, as well Lancashire and toured on the as other prominent musicians, Northern club circuit. It was to Gonella having been his first alleged that he retired from jazz hero.

20 21 Not a complete Events Diary listing of the feature film, vintage cars, costumes, everything that’s 27 January 2012 10 March 2012 2 / 3 / 4 June 2012 displays etc. are planned to make the World War II Weekend, Berrington Hall, going on but a The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks 1940s HOME FRONT CHARITY DANCE - afternoon an educational wartime Leominster, HR6 0DW The Blitz SCARBOROUGH few events that experience for the young, or a trip down Learn about the part that Berrington had to Author Carol Harris will be talking about The Conservative Club Huntriss Row may be of interest memory lane for the young at heart! Tickets play, see vintage vehicles, re-enactors and Britain during the Blitz as well as recounting Scarborough YO11 2ED. to members. in advance only from the Churchill Theatre, much more. Free admission to re-enactors some of the stories of the Blitz from her 7.30pm till Midnight. Journey back in time to High St, BROMLEY. 0844 871 7620 or and visitors in period costume and to those latest book. the 1940s. Dress up, enjoy the music and contact Anna for more details anna@ bringing vintage or military vehicles from the More are listed on Carol is an excellent and have a dance to the ever popular 1940s blitzandbananas.com 01689 862 825. era. (book vehicles by 30th April 2012). For the website at entertaining speaker - entertainers Paul and Natasha Harper. www.blitzandbananas.com more details or to book please contact: www.1940.co.uk a guaranteed good evening. Tickets limited £10 to include supper. Gareth Gwilt, Visitor Services Manager, For further details tel. 01723 366123 or Berrington Hall on 01568 615721 or email 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall 07739 231053. All profits to Help for 14 / 15 April 2012 [email protected] near Sevenoaks, Kent. Heroes. 1940s dress appreciated but not The Forties family experience weekend. Further details from Ian on essential (No German or Axis uniforms). Bushey Hall, Lincolnsfields childrens centre, 01732 452505 Admission £3 Bushey Hertfordshire from 10am to 5.50pm. 30 June / 1 July 2012 A unique site previously US fighter Isle of Wight Steam Railway - 1940s 23 - 26 March 2012 28 January 2012 command HQ with many original buildings. Weekend. This event is always good fun. A Riviera Swing Military & civil vehicles, 1940s house, allied/ Spitfire Bounce 7-30 till Midnight relaxed, enjoyable event with everything A long weekend of 1930s & 1940s Vintage axis living history displays, memorabilia Swing, Jive & Boogie all night to music from you would expect from a 40s weekend in a entertainment in Torquay stalls, Battle re-enactments, Site history the 1940s & early 1950s. superb location. Featuring the John Miller Orchestra, The exhibits,1940s jive dancing, evening dance, Slade Green Community Centre, Bridge Details: 01983 882204 or www. Jive Aces, The Little Devils and Kate Garner adults £7.50 Children,seniors & veterans £5 Road, Erith (Dartford) DA8 2HS iwsteamrailway.co.uk as well as top 1940s DJs. Lots going on period costume wearers £5. Tel: 01923 Dress to Impress, 40s or 50s Civilian or including Classes, Dances, 233841 email [email protected] Allied uniform 13 July 2012 Sing-a-longs, Cinema & web: www.fortiesexperience.co.uk Free tea, coffee & doughnuts, Please bring market. For details call The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Speaker to be confirmed. your own drinks 01708 374164 or Tickets £7 on the door visit: www.rivieraswing.co.uk 19 / 20 May 2012 Details: 07506 851862 or Quainton 1940’s Weekend Buckinghamshire 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near www.spitfirebounce.com Railway Centre HP224BY. Re-enactment Sevenoaks, Kent. 24 March 2012 groups, firing demonstrations, spivs and Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Stage Door Canteen authentic Admission £3 16 February 2012 spies. Over 60 military vehicles, trade stands and wartime music performances on The Polka Dot Dolls 1940s night Pratts Bottom, Kent both days. Wartime dinner party on Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch 18 - 22 July 2012 Resident DJ ‘Swing Shift’ Chris Reynolds Saturday night (Pre Booked tables ONLY). End, Middlesex, HA5 4EA The War & Peace Show - The Hop Farm, recreating that fantastic atmosphere of a Further details contact 01296655720 2.00pm, £5 Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PY wartime night out. Dress code is strictly A vintage singing group. Enjoy their The largest Military Vehicle show in the 1940s Allied military uniform or authentic delightfully rich harmonies, which capture 25 May 2012 world. Visit: www.thewarandpeaceshow.com 1940s fashion. Entry may be refused if not the romance and emotion of the war era. The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks for further details. appropriately dressed). Tickets are £8 each Details at: http://www.harrowarts.com/go/ Careless Talk Costs Lives and can only be booked in advance via music/details/1282-the-polka-dot-dolls Art & Design of The Home Front 28 September 2012 07944 105146 or tickets@ by James Taylor The 1940’s Society - stagedoorcanteen.co.uk. 25 February 2012 Sevenoaks Discover the ingenious artists and designers Speaker to be confirmed. Hedna’s The Vintage Nightclub, The 30 March 2012 who created the popular and enduring Stables, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks images of public information during World 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall From 8.30 pm - A chance for you to wear A presentation by Sean Longdon. War II for campaigns such as: Dig For near Sevenoaks, Kent. your best classic clothing & immerse in an Victory, Lend A Hand On the Land, Is Your Further details from Ian on evening of pure, exclusive vintage 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall Journey Necessary, Make Do and Mend & 01732 452505 Admission £3 entertainment. This event may have sold near Sevenoaks, Kent. Keep Calm and Carry On. Featuring posters out but you can check on 01908 280800 or Further details from Ian on and paintings by Evelyn Dunbar, James visit www.homefrontfriends.org.uk/hednas 30 November 2012 01732 452505 Admission £3 Fitton, Abram Games, Hans Schelger The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks (Zero), Dame Laura Knight and the story of Speaker to be confirmed. 25 February 2012 1 April 2012 the brilliant Cyril Kenneth Bird (Fougasse) Otford Swing Dance 7-30 till Midnight Blitz & Bananas! Film Premiere - Matinee who devised Careless Talk Costs Lives. 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall Otford Village Memorial Hall, Otford, Kent Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, near Sevenoaks, Kent. TN14 5PQ. Dress to Impress, 1940s BR1 1HA. 2.30pm, arrive from 1.30pm for 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Further details from Ian on preferred. Tickets £7 on the door the Wartime Experience! Adults £10, Sevenoaks, Kent. 01732 452505 Admission £3 Details: 07506 851862 or www. Children £5 (U16). Tickets include free tea, Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 spitfirebounce.com coffee, squash, biscuits etc. In addition to Admission £3

22 23 The 1940’s Society Membership Application

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Issue 71 Issue 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UX

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