The 1940s Society

For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

Issue 77 January / February 2013 £3.00

Imperial War Museum North We take an in depth look

Jack Hylton by Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie”

Photo Album A new series of original photographs with a story

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 Looking Forward The 1940s Society I must start this month’s magazine by thanking you all for renewing For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain your membership and helping to support the Society and the Magazine for another year. The feedback from you has been very positive and Regular meetings at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks very constructive. Its really encouraging to know that the magazine in particular is being enjoyed. Whilst not every article is of interest to Friday 25th January 2013 - 8pm everyone, broadly speaking we cover enough of a variety to be enjoyed by all our members. If you are reading this and haven’t yet subscribed for 2013 may I encourage you to do so. Film Evening - Tawny Pipit If you do have any additional feedback or items of interest for the with magazine please do get in touch. It would be lovely to hear from you. Carol Harris I’m sure there are some very knowledgeable members out there who could share some of that knowledge with us all. ‘Tawny Pipit’ is a wartime film set deep in the Not everyone can come along to our regular meetings. Friday evenings English countryside. The tranquil village of are not convenient for everyone and we have many members who do Lipsbury Lea seems a long way from the war not live close by (some live abroad). However, I have been raging beyond and the perfect spot for Battle experimenting with video and am looking into the possibility of making of Britain fighter ace Jimmy Bancroft to video content available. Its going to take a little working out but it is recover from his wounds. something I would like to sort out this year. Jimmy’s not the new We have had some excellent speakers over the past year and we have arrival, however. For only more to look forward to. Veterans of the Second World War are now the second time ever, a becoming scarce so I am delighted to be able to confirm that Fergus pair of Tawny Pipits have Anckorn will be returning to us in March. Fergus spoke to us in October arrived in Britain to nest. but was so well received and such a fascinating speaker that I had no hesitation in asking him to return. He will be continuing to talk about his The folk of Lipsbury Lea experiences as a Japanese prisoner of war. rally around to show these birds some traditional British Kind Regards hospitality, protecting them from the might of the army, the stupidity of bureaucracy and the machinations of some very Ian determined egg hunters.

Please support the Society with a subscription on-line at Author and speaker Carol Harris will be www.1940.co.uk or fill out and return the form on the back of this magazine. introducing the film and will be talking a little about its creation and wartime context and the propaganda elements that it contains.

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 2013

2 3 We visit the North to find out what’s there and how it compares to other IWM sites.

January saw the closure of The Imperial War Museum (IWM) as a major refurbishment starts. The building work will transform the museum and will finish in time Published December 2012 - £6.99 for the 100th anniversary of the ISBN 978-1-78122-002-3 First World War in 2014. This will mean that the museum will close to the public for at least VIV The SPIV 6 months while the work is For all your underway. WARTIME EVENTS Knowing that this closure was going to happen I thought it a Advertise perfect excuse to check out the much heralded IWM North, see how it compares, and report here back. The distinctive exterior of IWM North (Manchester) for as little The Museum is situated in Manchester which is a better away from Manchester United’s location for many but a bit of a Stadium (My son Michael is not as £20 trek from Kent so it would have a fan but wanted to visit wearing Top Quality Merchandise to be a weekend visit if we were his Arsenal shirt) and a visit to Always In-Stock to get the most out of it. the National Football Museum (No Coupons Required) in Manchester was also on the A suggestion to the family of cards. This seemed to sway this weekend away didn’t go my son and may be useful down terribly well until the news ammunition if you also have a that the museum was minutes football fanatic in the family.

4 5 like a museum. Its distinctive as displays at floor level. As you architecture gives it a sculptural walk through the main area you feel which I quite like. Its centre find many openings leading to features a large tower that gives smaller areas and displays on you a ‘birds eye’ view of the specific subjects. These do work surrounding area if you want to well and we found ourselves go up in the lift. It will cost you following a route round the £1 each and I’m not sure it was museum that did seem to make really worth it – but while you’re sense. there it might take your fancy. The building was designed The museum in general has by architect Daniel Libeskind, quite subdued lighting which is clad in aluminium and is highlights the exhibits. At set One of the views The museum itself is easy apparently a ‘visionary symbol times during the day this lighting from the IWM tower The main museum The presentations are quite enough to get to by car and of the effects of war’. Its on the is reduced even more and the area showing a impressive and very well whilst entry is free you will need banks of the Manchester Ship reason for the large blank wall different display during a show. produced. The museum walls to remember to bring plenty of canal and opened in 2002. areas becomes apparent - A become huge projection pound coins for the car park. huge audio-visual presentation. screens filled with images and We arrived at 10.00am on a As you would expect, the Thankfully you are given a film footage which completely Saturday and there were few museum interior is modern and warning that darkness is about surround you while an audio cars and plenty of parking. very open. The main museum to descend and there is quite commentary and soundtrack area consists of a large open a lot of seating available if you completes the experience. The building itself is large, space with very high ceilings don’t want to stand through the very modern and looks nothing and large blank walls. There are presentation. Grab a seat quick exhibits centrally located as well though as they do get taken quite quickly.

At intervals throughout the day the main museum area becomes a multimedia theatre.

6 7 this doesn’t really interfere with your enjoyment of the exhibits. The exhibits themselves are (as you would expect) very nicely presented with quite a lot of interactive elements which will appeal to children and keep them engaged. (If you’ve ever had to take small children round a museum you know how important this is). There is plenty to read or you can just browse Some of the if you don’t want to go into the displays are far less There are plenty on The presentations we saw detail. traditional and more interactive elements ‘hands on’. throughout the were all different with subjects museum. ranging from the world wars to There were a good variety of understanding and this again is a crèche facility however and the cold war. You can find the talks and demonstrations that also a great bonus for children parents are expected to stay programme for the day when went on during the day. Some of who can learn far more in twenty with their children (and join in). you enter the museum which these were aimed specifically at minutes than they would in a It was a nice facility but I don’t will ensure you don’t miss a younger audience but others whole day looking at text on know if it is open all the time. a presentation of particular were for all ages and a look at display panels. We ended up Like many of the special events interest. the days programme when you seeing a number of talks (all of and the exhibition area you arrive will ensure you don’t miss which take place within the main would need to check beforehand If a presentation isn’t of interest the specific talk you want to museum areas). to see what was happening on then there is still plenty to hear. For me this is something the day of your visit. see in the smaller displays off that should be commended and My daughter (age 8) also found the main museum area. The brings a museum to life. To see the craft area where activities An important part of any lighting here is not switched and touch exhibits while a staff were taking place for young museum visit (for me anyway) off and while you can hear the member talks about the subject people. The staff here were very is the catering facilities. The main presentation going on can give you a far greater friendly and encouraged her to Watershard Café is on the first create artwork for the childrens floor, has great views across the book ‘warhorse’ which she quays and is light and spacious. thoroughly enjoyed. This isn’t Selling meals, sandwiches, childrens lunch bags as well as the normal assortment of refreshments it is a very pleasant place to have a break. Prices seemed comparable to other similar venues and whilst we only stopped for tea and cake the food looked well presented. If you prefer to bring your own food then there is a packed lunch area on the ground floor which also has a One of the many After attending a displays off the talk on respirators number of vending machines main museum area. Charlotte gets to try selling cold drinks and snacks. one on. 8 9 The Watersdhed Cafe is spacious and enjoys great views across the quays.

Its never easy to give a I return to time and again but judgement on a museum. I don’t think this will be one of Everyone has different them. It was a little like going to expectations and requirements the theatre, very enjoyable but of what they want out of a once you’ve seen the show you visit. What I can say is that we aren’t going to get a lot out of a arrived about 10.00am and second viewing. left just before 5.00pm (Which speaks for itself) and had an If you have an excuse to go to enjoyable day. You could visit Manchester then the museum is in a far shorter time but we did well worth a visit and like us you visit everything and took full can always visit the stadium and advantage of our days visit. If the National Football museum I was to have any reservations while you are in the area. it would perhaps be a slight disappointment that there wasn’t Admission times more. The museum is big and 10.00 am – 5.00pm (last admission 4.30pm) there is a very ‘open’ feel to it which is nice but it does mean Tel: 0161 836 4000 everything is very grand and a Email: [email protected] little minimalist. I would have Web: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm- liked to see more artefacts on north/about display. I would have liked to Address: see more detail. I would like to IWM North have come away reeling with the The Quays new insight and knowledge I had Trafford Wharf Road gained from my visit. I don’t think Manchester I saw anything really new to me. M17 1TZ We had a great family day out Always worth confirming opening and thoroughly enjoyed our day. times, exhibitions and special There are many museums which events before your visit.

10 11 Photo Album Original Period Photographs with a Story

We’re Ready to Defend Britain

After Dunkerke in 1940, Britain counted heavily upon the Home Guard to help defend the nation in case the Germans decided upon invasion. By September 1st The Home Guard totalled 1,600,000 men. In the beginning, its weapons were few and crude. However, the Home Guard grew into a staunch arm of defence. There were men of all stations and classes in its ranks. Here peers, members of Parliament and staff members of the Lords and Commons are shown when they trained in London in July 1940.

12 13 Tommy McQuater by Jeff ‘Two-Tone Boogie’ This month Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie” continues his series of articles on important musicians with a look at influential musician Tommy McQuater.

Although Tommy McQuater was not actually a stand alone band leader he had part leadership of the 1939 band ‘The Heralds Of Swing’ along with playing with many of the big named orchestras, Jack Payne, , Bert , also recording with some American replacing Britain’s first Trumpet Big Band leaders. star Nat Gonella. Tommy played with Bert Ambrose and Thomas Mossie McQuater his Orchestra from September was born in , Ayrshire, 1936. Being a member of this on September 4th Orchestra placed Tommy among 1914. Largely self-taught, he the elite of the British Jazz and began playing the cornet at Swing players. It was during the the age of 11 and within a Ambrose years that Tommy also short time became a member made recordings with American of the Maybole Burgh Band, bandleader Benny Carter, 1936 a brass band that won many to 1937, The Swing Rhythm competitions in the late 1920’s. Boys in 1936 and Danny Polo While still at school Tommy and his Swing Stars in 1937. played at local dances and Tommy’s playing was often concerts. Tommy turned regarded as fiery, explosive and professional in his mid-teens very advanced for the period; joining Louis Freeman’s band at these aspects of Tommy’s Green’s Playhouse, . playing are particularly evident Freeman supplied bands to on these early recordings. cruise ships; this enabled Tommy’s expert playing can be Tommy to visit the United heard on the George Chisholm States and South America as a 1938 Decca recording of teenager. Tommy was spotted Rosetta. on a cruise by bandleader Jack Payne. In 1934 Tommy joined Tommy’s thoughts and plans Payne’s band and played in to launch a pure Swing band London and Paris just before playing just Swing numbers Tommy McQuarter joining Lew Stone’s in 1935 was met in February 1939 14 15 when he joined with his fellow UK. This move towards the Scotsman, trombonist George more popular American style Chisholm, and eight others to Swing could be heard in the form The Heralds of Swing. This playing and recordings of The venture into pure Swing met with Squadronaire’s, a pioneering mixed fortunes. The Heralds force in the development of of Swing secured a residency British Jazz and Swing as well at the Paradise Club and as the most popular military appeared at two of the rare Jazz dance band in the U.K. Concerts to be held in London. After disbanding due to lack The members of The of work the band was revived Squadroniares had by this time for one concert and two radio declared that they were fans of Tommy became the ‘Lips” behind the broadcasts. The band disbanded and inspired by Glenn Miller’s Muppet charactor for the last time in September Army Air Force Band and “The Manic Lips”. 1939 at the outbreak of war. especially Sam Donahue’s Navy hard to restrain themselves from Anderson’s live-action series Band. Swing was turning into “Swinging it” in the name of Space: 1999. It was 1976 when Tommy was called up in 1940 such a craze that the die-hard Strict-Tempo. with the start of ‘The Muppet and soon found himself in the strict-tempo ballroom dancer Show’ Tommy became the “lips” company of George Chisholm Victor Sylvester found that to had become behind a character called “The and several other members maintain popularity he had to fall so popular that they decided to Manic Lip’s” who was a member of The Heralds of Swing. in line with The Swing Craze. stay together as a civilian band. of The Muppet House Band, Along with some of these “Old This resulted in the formation of Tommy decided to leave and Electric Mayhem. When ‘The Heralds” Tommy joined The Victor Sylvester’s Jive Band, a became a freelance musician. Muppet Show’ ended Tommy Squadronaires (The RAF Dance specially formed band featuring In 1952 he joined The resident returned to concentrating on Orchestra), Tommy gaining Tommy and his old friend band of The London Palladium his Jazz playing, forming a the rank of Corporal. Swing George Chisholm, making a (The Skyrockets). In 1953 partnership with fellow-trumpeter music was now becoming number of recordings in 1944 to Tommy joined Cyril Stapleton, Johnny McLevy. Together more popular in England as 1945. These two feisty playing leader of The BBC Show Band Tommy and Johnny performed Tommy McQuarter a direct result of American Scots Jazzmen (Tommy and while continuing to work as a at various London Jazz venues with the Troops being based in The George) had at times found it Squadronaires freelancer in the Film, TV and as well as at the annual Ealing Recording industries. Tommy Jazz Festival. can be seen playing in the 1961 British thriller ‘All Night As well as the various Long’. Starting in the early bandleaders (mentioned above) 1960s Tommy was a member of Tommy recorded with John Jack Parnell’s ATV Orchestra, Dankworth in 1955 and 1961 which provided music for most and Benny Goodman in 1969. of ATV’s productions, but Tommy was acclaimed by mainly the Saturday Night At critics as “the brightest young The London Palladum show. British trumpet soloist of his Tommy then played with the era,” His appearance at Ealing Barry Gray Orchestra, heard in 2004 proved his final public on the soundtracks for Gerry performance, and he died Anderson’s “Supermarionation” on January 20th, 2008, at the series, including Supercar, age of 93. Joe 90, Thunderbirds, and

16 17 Events Diary events. Travel package deals for ease of Not a complete 25th January 2013 9th February 2013 16th March 2013 HEDNA’S THE VINTAGE NIGHTCLUB booking, such as Return Ferry and Return listing of The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Valentine Dance The Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes Flight Packages are available. These everything that’s Film Evening with Carol Harris. Newton Regis Village Hall, just outside If you enjoy the music of the 1930’s & 40’s include return travel from the UK, return going on but a Author and speaker Carol Harris will be Tamworth B79 0NL then you’ll love an evening at Hedna’s transfers from the airport or harbour to the introducing the wartime film “Tawny Pipit” Starring DJ Woody & Miss Lola Lamour. Bar few events that because for one night Hedna’s becomes hotel, Full English Breakfasts, 4 Course and will be talking a little about its creation available - plenty of parking. may be of interest your passport to an age of style, fashion, Evening Meals and a 3 Nights Stay at The and the propaganda elements that it £10 a ticket. Contact blitzandhitz@hotmail. to members. social dancing and vintage dance tunes. 3* Hotel Metropole in St Helier, Jersey. The contains. Refreshments may even include co.uk for tickets and details Played in the setting they were meant to be packages are extremely flexible so extra pop corn and ice creams for a true cinema heard. Hedna’s is a chance to wear your nights, room upgrades and a range of UK More are listed on experience! 23rd February 2013 best classic clothing and immerse yourself airports are available as part of the package the website at 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Otford 1940s Swing Dance 7-30 till in an evening of pure, exclusive vintage on request by our licensed ABTA / ATOL www.1940.co.uk Sevenoaks, Kent. Further details from Ian Midnight. Otford Village Memorial Hall, entertainment. We even have a resident Modern Travel company on 01732 452505 Admission £3 Otford, Kent TN14 5PQ Dress to Impress, 1940/1950s civilian or vintage hair & makeup stylist on hand. For further information: contact allied uniform. Free tea, coffee & Tickets are available from ‘The Stables’ box 01534759529. Full itinerary available here: 26th January 2013 office, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton http://www.modernhotels.com/library/ Spitfire Bounce 7-30 till Midnight doughnuts, Please bring your own drinks Keynes, MK17 8LU. Box Office 01908 events/1940s_Swing_Dance_Weekend_ Swing, Jive & Boogie all night to music from Large dance floor and clothing stalls 280800 website http://www.hednas.co.uk/ Flyer.pdf the 1940s & early 1950s. Tickets £7 on the door. Details: 07931 674 Tickets: £14.50, or £16.00 on the door (if Slade Green Community Center, Bridge 158or www.preservers of sound.com available) Road, Erith (Dartford) DA8 2HS. Dress to 24th May 2013

Impress, 40s or 50s Civilian or Allied 2nd March 2013 The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks uniform. Free tea, coffee & doughnuts, 1940s Evening 22nd March 2013 Fashion in the Forties - A talk by Amanda Please bring your own drinks. Tickets £7 on St Edmunds Hall, Southwold, Suffolk The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Pickard the door. Details: 07931 674 158 Once again St Edmunds Hall, Southwold Another Evening with Fergus Anckorn Vintage radio presenter and popular will play host to a fabulous evening of music Fergus Anckorn was a Prisoner of War speaker Amanda Pickard will be taking a 2nd February 2013 and nostalgia. Enjoy a fantastic evening of (POW) in Burma during the Second World look at the fashions in the forties with a Sing Sing Sing - Theatre Show 1940’s music and dancing with music from War. He cheated death on numerous particular emphasis on how they had to The New Theatre Royal In Portsmouth The Little Swing Band and 1940’s DJ AV8. occasions and experienced conditions that adapt to meet wartime conditions. With the featuring ‘The Three Belles’. The show There will be a fully licensed bar and few of us could imagine. Having spoken to help of original clothing, wartime newsreels starts at 7.30pm. Tickets range from £10- delicious hog roast. Tickets £10 per adult us last year about some of his experiences and periodicals of the time we will be £15 and can be booked on 02392 649000 and £5 per child. Tickets and details from we are delighted and honoured to have him looking at the fashions and hairstyles of or on the web site below or buy them in Sian Mortlock 01502 724769 or email Sallie back to talk to us again. This evening’s talk men, women & children that kept us looking person at the box office, but we do at [email protected] will focus on the coincidences he our best and helped raise the moral of the recommend booking in advance! experienced during his captivity. nation. Visit: www.newtheatreroyal.com 9th March 2013 Scarborough 1940s home front charity This is a rare opportunity to hear the first- 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near dance. The Grand Hotel St Nicholas Cliff hand accounts of an extraordinary man and Sevenoaks, Kent. 3rd February 2013 can not be recommended enough. Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Vintage Tea Dance Scarborough YO11 2ET. 7.30pm till Midnight 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Admission £3 The Cleave Warne Hall, St Matthews Journey back to the 1940s in a period Sevenoaks, Kent. Church, Borstal Street, Rochester, Kent ballroom with fabulous sprung wooden Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 26th July 2013 ME1 3HL dance floor. Dance to the ever popular Admission £3 The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Medway Lindy Hoppers present a Vintage 1940s entertainers Paul and Natasha Speaker to be confirmed. Tea Dance from 2pm until 5pm at The Harper. Limited tickets £10 to include pie 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Cleave Warne Hall, St Matthews Church, and pea supper. All profits to The Royal 19th - 23rd March 2013 Sevenoaks, Kent. Borstal Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3HL. British Legion. 1940s dress appreciated but THE JERSEY 1940’S SWING DANCE Join us for an afternoon of Swing and Jive not essential .(no Axis uniforms). WEEKEND. The Hotel Metropole In St from the 1940’s and 50’s. Admission is just (Accommodation available at the hotel at Helier, Jersey - (South West England) 27th September 2013 £5 to include tea, coffee and lots of cake! reduced rate of £30 per person B&B - A wartime extravaganza with more dance The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Contact Medway Lindy Hoppers (email contact Tracy at hotel). Contact Linda on lessons than ever before plus entertainment Speaker to be confirmed. below) or on 07581 790301 or look at our 01723 366123 or 07739 231053. from the incomparable 1940s sensation 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near website below for more details. Lola Lamour and gramophone wizz DJ Sevenoaks, Kent. Email: [email protected] 9th March 2013 Woody. Use the Ration Book Discount Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Visit: www.medwaylindyhoppers.co.uk Spitfire Bounce 7-30 till Midnight Vouchers in St Helier town centre, take a Admission £3 Swing, Jive & Boogie all night to music from place on a coach excursion to the award the 1940s & early 1950s. Slade Green winning Jersey War Tunnels, and take the 29th November 2013 Community Center, Bridge Road, Erith time to explore this beautiful island and The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks (Dartford) DA8 2HS. Dress to Impress, 40s uncover its remnants of occupation at every Speaker to be confirmed. or 50s Civilian or Allied uniform new step. A fun packed weekend which will 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Free tea, coffee & doughnuts, Please bring put a swing in anyone’s step. Register at Sevenoaks, Kent. your own drinks. Tickets £7 on the door www.modernhotels.com/wartime to receive Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Details: 07931 674 158 frequent updates on the wartime themed Admission £3 18 19 The 1940’s Society Membership Application 2013

Fill in your application to ensure you get future copies of the magazine for 2013 (or join online at www.1940.co.uk) and have access to the members website area.

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Issue 77 Issue 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UX

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