The 1940s Society

For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

Issue 59 January / February 2010 £2.50

Humphrey Jennings The man behind the documentaries by Carol Harris

Watch Out - In The Blackout by Jon Mills

PLUS Events, reviews 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 Still from ‘Britain Can Take it’ directed by Humphrey Jennings A Warm Welcome to 2010 The 1940s Society A warm welcome but it’s certainly a cold start to the year. I look For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain out to a view of 6 inches of snow in the garden and icicles nearly a foot long hanging down outside my window. I’m tucked- Regular meetings at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks up cosily inside with my central heating working overtime but Friday 29th January 2010 - 8pm can’t help thinking of the wartime years when central heating was rare and saving precious coal was far more important for the war effort. I think they were a hardy bunch back then and we’ve gone a little soft in these modern times. An Evening with

Thank you for all the good wishes over the Christmas period and the positive comments regarding the magazine. Yes, its Humphrey Jennings more time consuming and expensive to produce but it seems to Presented by Carol Harris be appreciated and enjoyed. If you haven’t done so already please send in your application and subscription renewal for Humphrey Jennings produced 2010. The magazine is totally reliant on these and your support and directed some outstanding is appreciated. In an effort to make it easier you can also renew documentary films of the 1930’s online on the society website at www.1940.co.uk (navigate to the shop section). & 1940s. His wartime films for the are We do now carry some advertising which helps towards running masterpieces and his social costs so please do look at the adverts and please mention the documentaries give us a glimpse society magazine when responding to any. If you, or someone of the ordinary people. you know would like to take out regular advertising please contact me for further details. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Carol Harris will be showing excerpts of many of his films and T-shirts for members who have written for the magazine seem to talking about the huge be popular but I do have more in stock so do keep up the good contribution he made to both the work and I will continue to send out a Society T-shirt for all contributions we print. war effort and the movement. I wish you all a happy and prosperous 2010 and look forward to Carol Harris is a journalist, speaker and author who specialises in the seeing and speaking to many of you in the coming year. history of fashion in the 1930s and 1940s. She is the author of many books including, ‘Collecting Fashion and Accessories’ and ‘Women at Ian War: The Home Front’. Carol has also contributed to exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum. We are delighted to have Carol come and speak 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] . to us so please come to what is sure to be a fascinating evening. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part and in any form whatsoever, is strictly prohibited without the prior permission of the editor. Friendly meetings learning more about life in the 1940’s. 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. Meetings start at 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall, Nr. Sevenoaks.

Whilst every effort has been made to contact all copyright holders, the sources of some pictures that may be used are obscure. The Admission £3. Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 or publishers will be glad to make good in future editions any error or omissions brought to their attention. The publication of any quotes or visit the Web Site at: www.1940.co.uk illustrations on which clearance has not been given is unintentional.

Designed and produced by Ian Bayley. . © Ian Bayley 2010 2 3 Humphrey Jennings The man behind the documentaries

Our January meeting will feature a look at Humphrey Jennings’ wartime short films.

Here Carol Harris looks at the influences which made Jennings’ unique style and includes a first hand account by an Auxiliary Firemen who played a leading role in , Jennings’ only An early photograph of Humphrey Jennings (Right) with friend under Walberswick Pier feature-length film. main tenets were that guilds were Stuart Legg was at also an alternative to state-control of Cambridge with Jennings, and industry or conventional trade had made documentary films as Humphrey Jennings union activity, and that guilds a student. By 1934, he was a key would seek control of industry member of the GPO Film Unit. Humphrey Jennings was tried out theatre and then he tried Jennings for the workers whom they ‘The documentary film movement a maverick in the British out painting, and then he went was ‘totally represented. Ultimately, industrial was boiling up at that time and Documentary Movement. Most of into films, I don’t think with the guilds would serve as the organs the centre of it was the GPO Film its leading lights – , expectation of remaining there,’ unaware through which industry would be Unit under John Grierson. And , Robert Flaherty his daughter Mary–Lou said later. that every organised in a future socialist I suggested to Humphrey that and Paul Rotha – were committed gesture of society. he might think of that unit as a and experienced film makers. With a wife and baby daughter his was possibility and I well remember Their style was direct and realistic to support, Jennings’ motivation outrageous.’ The family home was on the his sort of casual approach to it. and drew on such influences as for joining GPO Film Unit was not isolated and bleak Suffolk coast He said, “well, why not?” and one Eisenstein, the cinematic hero of entirely artistic. He was regarded at Walberswick, but his parents of Humphrey’s early assignments the Russian revolution. Jennings, as a dilettante by his colleagues took him on their frequent travels was not to direct a film at all but to by contrast, was probably most and would talk with his typical in search of pottery, especially in act in one.’ heavily influenced by, and was tactlessness about film-making France. As a child, he was brilliant influential in surrealism, which as ‘slumming it’ – he saw himself both academically and athletically, So Jennings’ film career started some of his contemporaries as an artist, mainly interested in and generally excelled at anything with his starring role of plucky saw as a frivolous and politically painting, poetry and literature. which interested him. As an adult, GPO messenger Albert Goodbody suspect movement. His fellow film-makers were it was his eccentric appearance in The Glorious Sixth of June, also unimpressed by his lack of and habits that left a lasting a stylised comedy about the Jennings had worked as a commitment to the potential of impression. history of the Post Office. It was photographer, painter and documentary film to inspire social directed by , designer and had originally been change, and by his very upper- At the he who more than any other at the set for an academic career. In class accent. was regarded as the most brilliant unit influenced and encouraged the early 1930s, shortly after student of a brilliant generation. Jennings’ style. Cavalcanti’s first he married, he went to Paris His parents – father an architect A friend and Cambridge film, Rien Que Les Heures (1926), and spent six months trying and mother a painter -- were Guild contemporary, , was an observation, with little unsuccessfully to establish Socialists. Guild socialism was said Jennings was ‘totally unaware direct comment, of 24 hours in himself as an artist. ‘I think he partly inspired by the craftsmens’ that every gesture of his was the life of Paris, and was a huge was trying things out – first he guilds of medieval England. Its outrageous.’ influence on documentary film.

4 5 Jennings’ next credited work was national panel of volunteers to as members of a strange tribe. the right track at last. Never thrown on another Cavalcanti film, Pett reply to regular questionnaires. At the outbreak of war the GPO myself into anything so completely and Pott, for which he designed Harrisson was interested by unit became the Crown Film Unit. Really beginning to understand the sets. He also directed a few the similarity in aims to his own Its brief was to produce films of people and make friends with them films himself but at this point they anthropological study of the public information and instruction, and not .just looking at them and were relatively undistinguished. British and contacted Madge and and to record life in Britain lecturing them. Also should make me Jennings. throughout the war. personally more bearable.’ However, while still officially employed by the GPO unit, Jennings’ fondness for surrealism Jennings was a committed As the war progressed or worsened Jennings took time off to and his anthropological approach left-wing radical and equally it is noticeable how each of Jennings organise and exhibit in the 1936 to people, were given free committed patriot –- values which film becomes less and less about International Surrealist Exhibition rein in his films: those who found an appreciative audience the war and more and more about in London. This groundbreaking worked with him talked of his in the particular context of the the character of the British as a event established the surrealist coldly observant eye, which Second World War. Thus his nation- not just the working class movement in Britain and was a enabled him to find strange wartime films presented a lyrical and the things that stood out to the major influence on his films. images in everyday scenes, or view of Britain and the British gaze of curious anthropological gaze his fondness for juxtaposition people as a free and tolerant of another, middle class eye. Another important influence to make visual points. In some nation, rooted in history and was Mass Observation, which films – for example, Spare Time, tradition -- and under threat from His best-known film, , Jennings founded with Charles with its famous scene of an fascism. is also credited to his regular editor Madge and . American-style girls’ kazoo band Stewart McAllister. Here particularly, Early in 1937, Harrisson’s only in Lancashire, Jennings’ work has He wrote to his wife and the combination of sound and published poem appeared in the been criticised as exploiting the daughters, evacuated vision was carefully layered, the New Statesman on the same working class. This is certainly to America: ‘On the result of often long and page as a letter from Madge and arguable although he also right side, on furious arguments Jennings, in which they discussed reflected a prevailing attitude between the two. their idea of creating a among documentary makers and society generally in depicting working class people

6 7 One of auxiliary fireman who ‘He dealt well. Democracy was the called to supply types of cockney appeared in the film, William rule. Christian names all round, dialogue. He had a specially Sansom, reportedly said later that discussion and beer together after rhythmic, and thus emphatic, the only difference between the work – he gave us the sense of manner of speaking which film and real life was that in real making the film with instead of for delighted Humphrey, who thus life they swore all the time. him. No script. A general scheme, again used what he had heard on of course, which we did not know the spot.’ Speaking in 1961 to an interviewer about. The film was still shot on for a special issue of Film and off the cuff. Dialogue was ‘These instances I particularly Quarterly dedicated entirely to always made up on the spot – and remember may be multiplied many Jennings, Sansom said, ‘Humphrey of course the more genuine for times, and then again multiplied ‘As an ordinary fireman abruptly could be that -- and Jennings collected by the many visual background employed as an actor, on the likened to an detail of all kinds on the way, on discoveries on the daily way scene and not behind it I can only obsessive the day, on the spot.’ through the dockland streets.’ view Humphrey Jennings as he appeared to us from floor-level, insect with ‘For instances. The penny whistle ‘Humphrey could be likened to an leaving out all the organizational antennae blower was heard one morning in obsessive insect with antennae Humphrey Jennings One of the most direct narratives work and premeditatory thinking always alert the streets by Wellclose Square, always alert and instantly directing ‘Silent is the film Silent Village, in which Village’ 1943 which did not come our way but and instantly in the East End, where we were sensitively selective, without Jennings illustrated the massacre surely came his.’ sensitively shooting and instantly co-opted. human hum and ha, of what was of the Czech village of Lidice And when I was asked to honky- needed.’ -- the Germans revenge for ‘The film was begun in a bleak selective’ tonk the piano in the station before the assassination of Reinhard month early in 1943 and carried the firecall, the tune selected ‘But human he must have been, Heydrich by setting the story in through into high summer; it was -- Please Don’t Think About Me to have understood so well the a Welsh mining village. Jennings begun on location among the When I’m Gone – was the result human elements of the characters lived in Cwmgiedd, south Wales, cobbles and bricks and rafters and of only five minutes general in his films. However, he gave little where it was filmed, for six months ruins of London dockland, by then discussion. Likewise, he wanted of his own personal life away, he and the early part of the film badly bombed, and finished at a more spectacular piano piece talked little of himself and only of celebrates life in the Welsh mining Pinewood Studios, with the green full of finger play: so on the spot I work. He worked obsessed with village. Through his wartime country all around.’ improvised a rumba-type reach- the job in hand – and because he experience filming and observing me-down, and this went into the never spared himself he endeared his subjects more closely, his films ‘My actor colleagues and I were can within the day. And then the himself to his employees, though became more human, personal chosen from different stations remarkably glib Fred Griffiths – he showed few of the usual and reflective of the participants’ all about London – none of the big-faced fellow who boxed endearing qualities, and certainly perspectives. His surrealist us professional players – and with the boy early on – was often neither flattery or histrionics.’ influences are still in evidence in seconded from fire-fighting duties the way he uses images but the for the period. It was a dull lull overriding concern is to tell the period, with little bombing, so stories of the people in his films. this was something to do. We were all glad to be away from Most of his films were shorts of station routine, all rebellious that half an hour or less. However, he we were not paid extra for these made one feature film, Fires Were expert duties. Humphrey thus Started, using members of the had to deal with an enthusiastic Auxiliary Fire Service to tell a story lot who had a convenient grudge of their work in the Blitz, using ready whenever necessary – ideal improvisation and a documentary Right: still from constituents of the British temper.’ ‘Fires were started’ style of filming. Far right: still from ‘Britain can take it’

8 9 181st Western Front Battle Group Re-enacting - + Radio & Communications Unit WWII Western Front Battle Group + Radio & Telephone Communication

We normally attend about 6 events a year although sometimes more. Our members come from different areas around the UK and we will often travel many miles to Available to attend WWII get to events. re-enactment events. Our WWII Radio & Communications section is very If you would be interested in booking active and also attends Radio the group please contact: Club events, such as ‘radio Mrs Carol Hodges (secretary). on the air’ and the ‘veterans Email: [email protected] weekend’. A number of radio (subject box to say 181st please) clubs are represented including: Some of the groups South Dorset Radio Society We make no charges for events re-enactors at an (SDRS), Yeovil Amateur Radio (within reason) event. We are re-enactors who depict Club (YARC). British Young the 181st Royal Army Medical Ladies Amateur Radio Association Corp (R.A.M.C) Field Dressing (BYLARA) and Blackmore Vale Station and a WWII Radio & Amateur Club (BVAC). The BVAC Communications Unit. bring along a modern ENIGMA simulator to events which is a The amount of equipment we unique piece of equipment, well take along to events can be worth seeing and have several quite substantial with a 30’ x 12’ very capable radio operators to Advertise here army tent used for our medical explain the workings and give equipment display and additional an insight into how the ENIGMA for as little 15’ x 15’ and 9’ x 9’ tents used worked in the war. We also give for our Radio & Communications talks for clubs within a reasonable as £15 display. Some of this space is area. used as accommodation for the units but it does involve quite a If anyone is interested in joining us significant amount of equipment we are always keen to hear from being taken to events. new recruits. For further details please contact: Carol (2E1RBH) Contact Ian on: We additionally have a WWII Secretary SDRS/Chairman weapons display which also BYLARA on 01305 820400 or by 01732 452505 proves popular but doesn’t attend email at carolonfraggle@tiscali. or email: co.uk (please put 181st in the Books, Music, Posters, Clothing, every event as some venues are [email protected] unsuitable to display arms and we subject box). Accessories, and Much More have to be sensitive to where we www.1940.co.uk are displaying.

10 11 Watch Out - In the Blackout

Of all the misfortunes to befall the British people during the Second World War the one most remembered is the Blackout. Jon Mills looks at how this sensible but drastic precaution affected life in wartime Britain.

The advent of flying machines authorities who lit Britain’s streets. capable of reaching Britain had In February 1938 all councils made it necessary in the First received a Home Office circular World War to extinguish lights on explaining what they had to do the ground by which the enemy to comply with wartime lighting might locate targets in large cities. restrictions. Private houses, Between the wars government shops, business premises and experiments attempted to evolve places of entertainment would a system of public lighting which be required to mask all windows, gave the lowest visibility to hostile doors and skylights so that no light aircraft while providing enough was visible from outside. External light for the safety of those on the lights, including advertisements ground. would be prohibited. Factories and industrial premises would Such schemes, although devised be under similar restrictions, by the government were to be employers in many cases being controlled in wartime by the local left with no other alternative than to paint or board over large areas of glass roofs leaving workers without daylight for the entire war. Measures to reduce light from factory chimneys, blast furnaces and slag heaps were the subject of specialist investigation.

Normal street lighting was not to be permitted in time of war. With all street lights extinguished those moving around Britain’s streets were to rely on ‘aids to movement’ which had been tested

12 13 showed only a small part of the first blackout a success. On 24th coloured signals. The lighting on August 1939 all local authorities road vehicles was to be similarly received a telegram advising them restricted and by July 1939 a to prepare to institute a blackout standard headlamp mask was in when ordered by the police and production. On public transport on 1st September 1939 Britain’s lighting was also reduced, the lights went out completely. railways grappling with the problems of ‘arcing’ electric trains The imposition of a blackout and the need to cover the cabs of on Britain was, according to steam locomotives. the social observers of Mass Observation, more commented The public was advised of the on than any other wartime topic. part it would play in the blackout The total absence of light was at in a Public Information Leaflet first seen as a major problem with delivered to every home and office complaints quickly forthcoming in the country by the Post Office about delays to the post, problems in July 1939. This explained that in the production of bread and the it would be necessary to mask all strain on bus drivers. Pedestrians windows with either close fitting moving around in the blackout blinds or ‘by fixing up sheets of encountered innumerable unseen black or thick dark brown paper obstacles from newly-sandbagged mounted on battens’. Curtains defences to bicycles carelessly or blinds that did not exclude left on the pavement. The sale of enough light could be painted torches soared and manufacturers with a mixture of size and lamp quickly spotted a new market black which Norman Longmate for a wide range of items from in his excellent book ‘How We armbands to luminous artificial Lived Then’ remembers as a flower buttonholes which identified ‘repellent mixture’ which he had to you in the blackout. White paint paint onto an old screen to mask was applied to every conceivable The requirement that road the windows of his home. Many obstruction, some press photos vehicles could use only one were to spend 10 to 15 minutes even showing cows painted with headlamp - and that heavily every night throughout the entire white stripes. restricted by a standard mask war ensuring that their home with three narrow slits on the was safely blacked-out by such front - caused both motorists and measures. pedestrians to find familiar streets very dangerous. In the first four Britain’s first serious taste of the months of war 2,600 pedestrians blackout came in the summer died in the blackout - more of 1939 when the RAF held air than double the number in the defence exercises over a large same period in 1938. A 20 mph in Nottingham at the beginning of area of England from the Isle speed limit in built-up areas did 1939. These included white lines of Wight to Staffordshire. Local something to help this problem. painted in the middle of roads authorities - who were asked Restricted lighting was allowed for and on kerbs with illuminated but to extinguish as many lights as the civil defence services. Their heavily-masked lights showing possible on the night of 9th/10th vehicles displayed service lettering the position of such things as August – also used this as an on the unused headlamp of their traffic islands. Traffic lights were opportunity to test their new ARP vehicles and shelters, first aid to be covered with masks which services. The RAF deemed this posts, fire stations and hospitals

14 15 Jokes about the blackout employing lighting attendants abounded, many relating to to monitor the blackout. Bus the opportunities it offered to conductors struggled in the low courting couples and the printers light conditions to collect fairs and of humorous postcards had a identify who had paid, a difficulty field day. Although the number of recorded in a Punch cartoon which burglaries committed fell sharply showed a conductor chalking a - those involved could not tell if cross on those whose fairs he had a house was occupied or not - collected. others such as pickpockets, street robbers and city centre prostitutes found that the night offered increased opportunities for illegal activities.

PC on Blackout were all marked with British a change that many householders point duty Standards Institution-approved ignored having got used to the illuminated signs. nightly chore. On 30th April 1945 London’s Big Ben was lit up for the For many the blackout was their first time since 1939 and on 2nd first experience of total darkness Although some relaxation of May restrictions on every class of as the night sky became visible in lighting was eventually allowed lighting were finally removed. a way not seen before or since. outside South East England, To ensure this total darkness most places stayed black for the the blackout was enforced by Jon Mills has written a number entire war. An exception was the police and air raids wardens Public transport in all forms, of books on Britains Home Front made in early 1945 for Carnforth whose cry of ‘Put that light out!’ essential to the movement of and the collecting of Home Front in Lancashire where bright film became familiar to many. Some people and goods, carried on material, some of which are lighting was allowed for the available from the 1940s society enforcing these restrictions were under severe lighting restrictions. shooting of Brief Encounter. website. His books include: over-zealous in their duties. Those Some leeway was allowed London was the last city to regain ‘Utility Furniture’, ‘The WVS’, smoking cigars in the street were to the railways in goods and its lights. In November 1944 it ‘Identity Cards, permits & prosecuted for sending signals marshalling yards although was allowed to raise the light Passes’, ‘Pre-Service Training to enemy planes, one warden is such working lighting had to be Corps for Girls’, ‘The level to that of dim-out although reputed to have shot out a light quickly extinguished on receipt mechanised Transport Corps’, many councils had neither with a revolver and a policeman of an air raid warning. Much to plus many others. He is also a staff nor resources to make the fell to his death in central London the annoyance of travellers the regular writer for a number of necessary changes. In April 1945 military history and family having climbed a drain pipe to put lighting inside was also restricted, all blackout restriction were lifted history magazines. out a light in a fourth floor flat. one railway company even apart from those on street lighting

16 17 Cone Bowls- VIV The SPIV A Post War Game with a Wartime Secret For all your WARTIME EVENTS

Allotment & Garden Guide A monthly guide to better Top Quality Merchandise Always In-Stock wartime gardening During the Second World War by Twigs Way factories had been set up to (No Coupons Required) produce all sorts of items and ISBN: 978-0-9552723-5-6 Price: £9.99 components that were vital for the Call 07956 282186 Hardback, 160 pages, Colour throughout war effort. These were produced Email [email protected] Published: 1st December 2009 by the hundreds or thousands Available from www.1940.co.uk depending on their use and at the end of hostilities were found to be surplus to requirements. Many items could be re-cycled or used for some civilian purpose. We hear of tin helmets that were made into colanders and surplus beds that were used to make fencing but some surplus items needed a little The games box carries no makers Advertise here more creative thought to discover name so it is difficult to know on for as little a use for. what scale or how popular a toy this proved to be but it is certainly as £15 Lashenden Air Warefare Museum of interest to those of us today in Headcorn, Kent have just looking back at how postwar acquired a Cone Bowls Game that Britain made use of these items. uses war surplus components in a game of tabletop bowls. If members have examples of other wartime items that were put The game is played in a similar to a more peaceful use after the Published by the Otford & District Contact Ian on: manor to “Bowls”, with points war please send us an we can Historical Society. Price £7. 01732 452505 gained by players getting their feature them in future issues. ISBN: 978-0-9503963-5-4 or email: coloured cones closest to the Available in Otford from The Crown, The white jack. The cones themselves Details of Lashenden Air Warfare [email protected] Chemists, The Parish Office, The Post are in fact shell nose pieces, Museum can be found at:www. Office, Willow Tea Rooms, Yvonne’s Store the maker obviously using up a lashendenairwarefaremuseum. or from The Bookshop (Sevenoaks) surplus of these components. co.uk or on 01622 631799

18 19 1940s Society Members Classifieds Whether your looking for something or trying to make space, here is the opportunity to advertise to your fellow members. Life as a Battle of Britain Pilot by Jonathan Falconer

FOR SALE WANTED Britain pilot, his role, and the difficulties and stresses he faced. Large selection of 2nd hand military 1940’s liberty bodice wanted The book is quite a short read. books. Too many to list but phone Angela Youngs 01732 862786 I’m not the fastest reader and for details. Mrs Bickmore Tel: 01732 I spent an enjoyable couple of 352356 (Tonbridge, Kent). Wardens A.R.P. bell, gas rattle and hours learning about the life of gas mask in cardboard box. Ray a Battle of Britain pilot. After an White 40’s STYLE blouse. Front Broomfield Tel: 01424 777202 (Battle, introduction to the Battle of Britain pocket on chest. Slip over head. 42” East Sussex). we are given details of a ‘typical chest £5. 40’s/50’s Hawaiian shirt. day’, what the pilots were up All buttons. Boats/palm trees red 1940s childrens clothes wanted. Girls against, strategy & tactics, as well flower motifs. 38” chest. £15. Green 6 years + Boys 11 years +. Jan, Tel: ISBN: as uniforms and flying kit. 40’s/50’s style hat. Feathers and hat 01732 452505 9780750946018 pin on one side. £20. Brown open toe Paperpack, As well as giving us a good basic shoe, size 4/5. Small heal. Unusual WW2 wheelchair wanted by re- 84 pages understanding Jonathan Falconer side fastening buckle. £20. Yellow enacting wheelchair user. Mrs Carol RRP £4.99 also includes some interesting 30’s/40’s calf/knee length skirt. Small Hodges, 01305 820400. (also available details and statistics. The average ‘V’ of pleating on front. Zip works. from the society ages of pilots, a breakdown of 24” waist. Slight bobbling of material. WW2 bedside cabinets required. shop at £3.99) nationalities, details of armaments £18. spotted 40’s top. All buttons Harry, Tel: 01908 565267. I will start this review with what on the different aircraft plus many complete. 2 front pockets. Missing a this book is not. It is not a book for more facts are all covered. belt 36” chest £25. Short body rayon the knowledgeable RAF ‘expert’ type material blouse. Navy/red/yellow of which I know there are many. We all have different areas of stripes. All buttons except very last This is not a book that delves into interest when it comes to the one on the bottom. 36” chest. £25. the finer technical points of the second world war and whilst the Price is plus postage and packing. aircraft. And this is not a book RAF has not been an area I have I am happy to email photos and the looks in detail at the kit worn looked at in detail this book has further details on the items. Karen, by fighter pilots as they flew into not only given me a little more [email protected] battle. Some of these topics are knowledge about the life of a covered but not in fine detail with fighter pilot but also sparked an illustrations and fancy diagrams. interest that may well make me reach (when I get the time) for one This is however a great little book of the more detailed books for anyone (like myself) who on the RAF so that I can learn hasn’t studied the Battle of Britain more about this fascinating in detail and who wants a greater organisation and the brave men understanding of the Battle of that served in it.

Classified adverts will be included subject to space and are free of charge to members placing private advertisements. Please email or post your advertisements for the next issue by 28th February 2010 and include clear contact details in case of queries. No responsibility will be accepted for advertisements placed or errors in copy.

20 21 Events Diary Not a complete 29 January 2010 27 March 2010 September 2009 when he spoke on 22 July 2010 listing of everything The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Spitfire Bounce 7-30 till Midnight ‘Deceiving Hitler’ and we’re delighted to 20’s / 30’s / 40’s NIGHT that’s going on but a An Evening with Humphrey Jennings - Swing, Jive & Boogie all night to music from have him back for what I’m sure will be a 7.00 – 11.00pm few events that may Carol Harris the 1940s & early 1950s. fascinating evening. The Marquee, Dunnington Playing Fields be of interest to Humphrey Jennings produced and directed Slade Green Community Centre, Bridge Common Road, Dunnington ,York, members. some outstanding documentary films of the Road, Erith (Dartford) DA8 2HS 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near YO19 5NG 1930’s & 1940s. His wartime films for the Dress to Impress, 40s or 50s Civilian or Sevenoaks, Kent. Live 13 Piece Band “New York Dance Band” More are listed on crown film unit are masterpieces and his Allied uniform. Free tea, coffee & Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 & Supper the website at social documentaries give us a glimpse of doughnuts, Please bring your own drinks Admission £3 Tickets £10.00, Tickets & Information from: www.1940.co.uk the ordinary people. Tickets £6 or £7 on the door www.dpff.org.uk, Jen Lewis – 07890230778 Details: 07506 851862 or 22 May 2010 Carol will be discussing his work and www.spitfirebounce.com Spitfire Bounce 7-30 till Midnight 21 - 25 July 2010 showing excepts from his films. Swing, Jive & Boogie all night to music from The War & Peace Show Come along for what will be a fascinating 27 March 2010 the 1940s & early 1950s. The Largest Military Vehicle show in the and enjoyable evening. FREE 1940s Dance - 7-30 till midnight Slade Green Community Centre, Bridge world. The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Kent. Stage Door Canteen, Pratts Bottom Village Road, Erith (Dartford) DA8 2HS TN12 6PY. Tel: 01622 872068 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Hall Norsted Lane (top of village green) Dress to Impress, 40s or 50s Civilian or Vehicles, displays, dance, music, Sevenoaks, Kent. Pratts Bottom Kent BR6 7SU Allied uniform. Free tea, coffee & entertainment, military dealers and so much Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 A great Dance and venue featuring 3 DJs & doughnuts, Please bring your own drinks more...... Admission £3 put in conjunction with USO. Food and Tickets £6 or £7 on the door Look at the website to find out more: refreshments are available for sale but you Details: 07506 851862 or http://www.warandpeaceshow.co.uk 30 January 2010 are welcome to bring your own drinks. www.spitfirebounce.com Spitfire Bounce 7-30 till Midnight TICKETS FOR THIS DANCE ARE FREE 31 July 2010 Swing, Jive & Boogie all night to music from but must be booked in advance. Dress code 3 - 4 July 2010 Spitfire Bounce 7-30 till Midnight the 1940s & early 1950s. strictly 1940s. Tel 020 84602830 or visit Isle of Wight Steam Railway Swing, Jive & Boogie all night to music from Slade Green Community Centre, Bridge www.stagedoorcanteen.co.uk 1940s Weekend the 1940s & early 1950s. Road, Erith (Dartford) DA8 2HS Always a very enjoyable event to attend, the Slade Green Community Centre, Bridge Dress to Impress, 40s or 50s Civilian or 3 April 2010 railway is taken back to the war years with Road, Erith (Dartford) DA8 2HS Allied uniform. Free tea, coffee & 1940s Dance. The Crown Hotel on evacuees, homeguard, vintage vehicles and Dress to Impress, 40s or 50s Civilian or doughnuts, Please bring your own drinks Drummond Road Skegness, of course steam trains. More details to Allied uniform. Free tea, coffee & Tickets £6 or £7 on the door Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag follow but worth putting in your diary now. doughnuts, Please bring your own drinks Details: 07506 851862 or and dance the night away to “ The Kings of Details at http://www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk/ Tickets £6 or £7 on the door www.spitfirebounce.com Swing” Forties Dress is optional. Details: 07506 851862 or Tickets are £6 available on the door or from 3 - 4 July 2010 www.spitfirebounce.com 27 February 2010 Sue Clarke on 01507 475804/Jack Wise Operation HOMEGUARD - Ingleton’s 1940’s Otford Swing Dance 7-30 till Midnight 01754 876951 or email susanclarke 1970@ Weekend 31 July /1 Aug 2010 Otford Village Memorial Hall, Otford, Kent btinternet.com. A weekend of entertainment and nostalgia, Thanet at War TN14 5PQ There will be a war time quiz and also a two days packed with fun for everyone, This is a new event, organised by the Dress to Impress, 1940s preferred. raffle. Food is available from the N.A.F.F.I including: Military vehicles; military and Bygone Days Historical Group, Ramsgate. It Free tea, coffee & doughnuts, Please bring Come along and make new friends civilian re-enactors; liberation of the German will be held on 31 July/1 August 2010 at your own drinks everyone is welcome. occupied French Market Square by Allied Government Acre, Ramsgate with free Tickets £6 or £7 on the door forces; Cenotaph parade; military parade public admission. The organisers wish to Details: 07506 851862 or 24 April 2010 led by the Black Watch Pipes & Drums; extend an invitation to all Home Front www.spitfirebounce.com Otford Swing Dance 7-30 till Midnight Saturday night dance with the Starlight WW11 re enactors and displays. More Otford Village Memorial Hall, Otford, Kent Swing Orchestra; Sunday afternoon Tea details later.For further initial information 26 March 2010 TN14 5PQ Dance. For more information contact John please contact the Secretary, Brenda The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Dress to Impress, 1940s preferred. & Elaine Ward 015242 41024 john. Rogers at 7, Minster Road, Ramsgate, Secret Underground London. Free tea, coffee & doughnuts, Please bring [email protected] or visit www. CT1105L email [email protected]. Amanda Pickard will be showing us some of your own drinks ingletonhomeguard.co.uk what still lays beneath the pavements of Tickets £6 or £7 on the door 24 September 2010 London and how these tunnels, railways Details: 07506 851862 or The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks and establishments were used during the www.spitfirebounce.com Speaker to be confirmed Second World War. Come along and find 16 July 2010 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near out more. 21 May 2010 The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Sevenoaks, Kent. Further details from Ian The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Speaker to be confirmed on 01732 452505 Admission £3 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near French Resistance During the Second 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks, Kent. World War by Terry Crowdy. Sevenoaks, Kent. 26 November 2010 Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Author & historian Terry Crowdy will be Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Admission £3 giving a presentation on the French Admission £3 Speaker to be confirmed Resistance, how it was organised and run, 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near and the role of British security services in its Sevenoaks, Kent.Further details from Ian on organisation. Terry spoke to us in 01732 452505 Admission £3

22 23 The 1940’s Society Membership Application

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Issue 59 Issue 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UX

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