The 1940s Society

For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

Issue 91 May / June 2015 £3.00

From the Garage Floor Advice from ‘Dino’ - Buying a Vintage Car Musical Missive by Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie” Plus 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 Election Blues The 1940s Society For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain At last the election is over and we can have a break from the constant proclamations of politician’s trying to persuade us we can trust them. Resignations have come left, right and centre (literally) Regular meetings at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks and the people who should probably be fired are the pollsters who Friday 22 May 2015 - 8pm got it completely wrong. But then again, you never quite know what’s going to happen in an election.

Take the General election of 1945 for example. The previous A Schoolboy in London election had been ten years earlier as they were suspended during the war. Churchill, the favourite by a long stretch with an 83% 1940 - 1945 approval rating, had led the country victoriously through five years of hardship. He was hugely popular and nobody expected a change by Ray Broomfield of government. What was it like to be a schoolboy in London during the Blitz? But what caused this landslide victory for Labour. Many still blamed Ray Broomfield will be giving a presentation about the Conservatives for the policy of appeasement which allowed his life in London during the war. Hitler to become so powerful but the Beverage report, published in 1942 and eagerly adopted by the labour party, was a major factor. This illustrated talk will include details of his school Proposing nationalised health care, state-funded education and a days and coping with life between 1940 and 1945. new housing policy, it was extremely popular. The war weary people of Britain had been promised a better life Ray will also be bringing along original wartime after the war and they were determined for change. They just didn’t items from his collection. think Churchill was the man to make that change. Come along and find out what life was like for the children of the Blitz. It’s a shame that much of the VE Day Celebrations this year have been overshadowed by the election but there were still many events to choose from and a lot of effort was put into their organisation. It’s still such a privilege to meet veterans and those that lived through this pivotal period of our history.

Ian

Please support the Society with a subscription on-line at www.1940.co.uk or fill out and return the form on the back of this magazine.

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 2015

2 3 LASHENDEN From the Garage Floor AIR WARFARE MUSEUM Thinking of buying a Vintage Car? Here are a few tips and tricks from Dino that might help when viewing your potential purchase for the first time.

Hello again everybody You will need to have somewhere safe, secure and protected to Since my last article it’s been keep the vehicle. Old cars can the start of a busy season. We be fragile and valuable. Many have had ‘drive it day’ and saint vehicles are obviously now getting MUSEUM GIFT SHOP, FLYING, George’s day as well as the 70th very old and as such parts are PARACHUTING, PLEASURE FLIGHTS, year VE celebrations and a few becoming quite difficult to find, HOLDING POINT CAFÉ, WINGS BAR early shows, so I hope some of so think about whether the make/ you have been able to get out and model you are looking at has LASHENDEN AIR WARFARE MUSEUM enjoy some of these events. good availability of parts. Are Headcorn Aerodrome, Headcorn, there any parts needed and Ashford, As I said at the end of my last if so what will be the potential Kent TN27 9HX article there may be some of you cost. Has the vehicle been fully Tel; 01622 631799 / 01622 890226 who are considering purchasing restored recently or in the past? (please check opening times) a classic vehicle for the first time, It is so easy to overlook this and www.lashendenairwarfaremuseum.co.uk so I am going to look at some then find that in a couple of years buying guidelines which may help. time when something is needed Many of these suggestions will for servicing or repairs that they also apply to modern vehicles are impossible to find or incredibly as well. expensive. This can then lead on to the vehicle being parked up When looking to and neglected and left unused purchase a vehicle sitting in a garage, which defeats there are a few the whole point of owning the car considerations in the first place... Advertise to take into account. There are lots of owners clubs out there and I would strongly advise DINO’S here that you at least look at, if not join the relevant one, ideally before you buy the car. You may CAR SERVICES for as little well be able to get some We cater for all vehicles but specialise in: useful advice in advance Jeeps, Military, Vintage & Classics as £20 and they often have cars Call or email to discuss your requirements for sale. or to arrange a visit for a cup of tea and a look at the problem. Once you have considered Dean Whybra the above and have found Tel: 078 666 999 69 a car to view, the fun Email: [email protected] starts. When you first see Mobile service available. a car, speak to the owner 10% Discount with this Advert and find out exactly what’s

4 5 been done to it, how recently Before you do anything else, have It generally costs more but is clean tidy engine but one which and how much the car has been a good look around the car and worth it. Finally put the blanket shows honest signs of use. Look used since. This should give you check the paint work and body on the floor, lay on it and using at the radiator for signs of rusting a good idea of what you may be work looking for signs of rust, the torch have a really good look or deposits. This could indicate purchasing. Arrange to go and poor quality repairs, damaged underneath. You are looking for a leak or overheating problem. see the car and if possible take paint and any obviously missing rust on the chassis and floor areas Also check the general condition somebody along with you, ideally parts or trim. Now is the time and also along the sills which are of the radiator as these are quite a mechanic, classic car enthusiast to use the magnet you brought the parts where the body connects expensive items to replace - or somebody who knows that with you. As you walk around the to the underside. Also while you especially on some of the vintage particular marque well. car just put the magnet onto the are looking underneath, check the cars with the very large rads. Now car body, particularly around the exhaust system and have a look you are probably wondering why I When you first go to see the car wheel arches and bottoms of the at the steering and suspension. suggested bringing the cloth. This take with you a small magnet, doors, wings and anywhere where You may not be able to test it fully has three uses. Firstly, if the car is a good torch, a blanket and a it is likely to rust. This is usually but you can pull it to see if there is wet you can use it to dry an area cloth. When you arrive at the car in areas which can trap mud and any excessive movement in any to check the condition of the paint, put your hand on to the bonnet water. If the magnet sticks then bushes and again look for general secondly, if the paint is flat or to see if the car is warm. There obviously there is good metal, condition and rust. oxidised, wet the cloth and polish could be a genuine reason for if it doesn’t the panel has been a small area to get an indication of this, such as it has been moved repaired with filler and could be Once you are satisfied with the what the paint will look like when out of the garage or the owner hiding a multitude of sins. This body and chassis, next look at polished and buffed and lastly has used it earlier if it’s late in the then needs to be investigated the engine bay. At this stage you use it for wiping the dipstick when day. However, it could be that further. Small amounts of filler are don’t want to start it you are just checking the oil. It is important not the owner is trying to disguise a ok on a repair but with a classic looking for the general condition to overlook this check as it gives potential starting problem or cold vehicle it is far better that any and cleanliness. Look for any a good indication of how well the running issue. So if the engine repairs are done using traditional signs of leaks or areas which are car has been looked after and the does show signs of being warm, repairs such as lead loading - very clean, which could indicate general condition of the engine. quiz the owner as to why and which ensures that you only have that there has been a problem Ideally the oil should be golden If the magnet maybe even consider arranging metal in the car. This is becoming which has been cleaned or a brown and at the correct level sticks then another time to view the car when a lost art but is still practiced by Once you are new part fitted. It is nice to see a within reason. obviously there the car is cold. restorers and people like myself. satisfied with is good metal, the body and if it doesn’t the chassis, next panel has been look at the repaired with engine bay. filler...

6 7 Once the engine has warmed up it should settle down to a steady idle speed and should be quiet and free of any knocking or rattling noises. Some older engines can sound a little tappets which is a kind of rhythmic metallic ticking noise. This is not normally anything to worry about but may be worth mentioning. Whilst the owner is still in the car get him to Some cars need switch on the lights, indicators and more work than brake light and sound the horn to others. ensure these are all working. is not right at the top or bottom to remember this when purchasing Finally ensure Now move on to the interior. of the pedal travel. This could a vintage or classic car but after that all the Check that the trim, head lining, Now it’s time for the test drive. indicate a worn or badly adjusted saying that it should still be a instruments, seats, carpets etc are all in Whilst you are sitting in the clutch. Also look for smooth gear relatively easy experience and not switches and good condition and if it has car check all the gauges and changing and positive steering a nightmare. fixtures and wood cappings ensure that all is switches to make sure everything without too much play. The other fittings are all intact and that the wood has not is working. Also try the windows important area is the breaking. Following on from this article my present... deteriorated. Finally ensure that and interior light. The owner may The breaks should be progressive next one is going to cover a brief all the instruments, switches and let you drive providing you are and not too hard or soft and history of the wartime Jeep and fixtures and fittings are all present insured but some owners prefer to should stop the car squarely and highlight the differences between and correct. Some of these items drive it to a car park or somewhere efficiently. The handbrake should the models. I am also going to are very hard to find if missing. safe for you to try it. This is not work smoothly and hold the car highlight a few weaknesses and Obviously if there are problems a problem as it gives you a good on a hill without rolling. Many things to look out for if purchasing it is not necessarily a reason opportunity to check on a few older cars have cable brakes but one. not to buy but it does give you a things. During the test drive you they will still work well if correctly bartering point. want to be listening for clonks, bangs and rattles and try to adjusted. Until then remember a car is for life not just for high days and Now get the owner to start the establish where they are coming Whilst driving or being driven holidays. engine whilst you stand outside from and to listen to the gearbox keep a look out for any smoke and listen for any strange noises for any rotating metal noises or especially when pulling away, Happy motoring! such as the starter not engaging crunching when changing gear. accelerating or under load, up properly or not disengaging, This could indicate worn bearings hills for instance. There should grating ring gear or once the or worn synchromesh. If there is Dino not really be any at all but due to engine starts rattling or rumbling a clonk as you pull away this can the age and tolerances of older noises. When the engine first be caused by the Propshaft UJ or vehicles a small amount may be starts, look at the exhaust to see worn differential. Obviously unless Dean - known as “Dino” acceptable but do investigate fully if there is any smoke. With a you know what you are talking as otherwise you may be looking has a garage in Biggin Hill cold engine there may be some about you may not be able to which specialises in classic diagnose exact faults but at least at an expensive engine re-build. black smoke due to a rich mixture and vintage vehicles and because the choke is out or a you can highlight it and use it in Obviously old cars are not going is a collector of vintage, puff of blue smoke where oil has negotiations. to be perfect and when they were settled in the valve guides. This is classic and military cars. made they often had far greater acceptable but the black smoke When you do drive the car there Dino’s Vintage Motor Works tolerances so steering and gear should disappear when the choke are some things to consider. 07866 699969 changing will not be the same as is in and there should not be any When moving off ensure the clutch [email protected] modern standards. It is important blue smoke. is smooth and that the biting point 8 9 Photo Album Original Period Photographs with a Story England Air Raid Shelters

December 1940

To prevent epidemics in Britain’s crowded air raid shelters, London boroughs are regularly making tests of the air and disinfecting the shelters.

Here a member of the Finsbury health staff sprays bedding of a shelter user.

10 11 Jean fell in love with the beautiful The Jean Bentley Dance Rivoli ballroom in Crofton Park south East London where she played but more regularly danced (Orchestra) Band and which still remains intact in its refurbishment in the 50s with With some band members having played in bands during its magnificent dance floor. She the 1940s there is a wealth of experience in this group of had grown to love the dancing musicians. side and though a ballet dancer when young was introduced to The Jean bentley band has been grandfather who was a wonderful Lindy hop where she learnt with playing locally in the Sevenoaks pub pianist and had the enormous Ryan Francois and then started area for a number of years skill of hearing a tune once and attending Peggy spencer’s with its more steady recent then being able to sit down and One of the bands career in music but Jean followed ballroom classes in Penge. membership been drawn through play it. Her Great Aunt was also drummers Albert in her mother’s footsteps training local musicians many of which very musical and ran an operatic ‘Pip’ Parsons began playing in the late to be a physiotherapist. The jean Bentley dance orchestra are in the Sevenoaks symphony society in Plymouth. Her father too 1930s and was a It was during her Physiotherapy predominately plays music from orchestra. filled the house with his beautiful regular player in training at the Middlesex Hospital the era of the dance bands bass voice and the house was bands throughout the war. in London that Jean was first and big bands of latter years Jean the dance leader developed always full of sheet music from introduced to dance band music. and the players are versatile a love of the music through her the thirties. Her brother formed a She was still a keen viola player, to allow different combinations having played with the local and numbers of players. Over Sevenoaks orchestras and soon the years the group has tended joined the hospital’s music society. to morph away from the brass From there she was invited to an section in favour of the horn inter hospital musical event which section and lighter orchestral played all the beautiful music from sound using a front line of oboe, the thirties and forties with music flute and violin along with alto, drawn from the BBC libraries. tenor and soprano sax. Although Jean persuaded the Middlesex they call themselves a band and music society to play something love their Dixieland numbers they similar and using her contacts are perhaps better described as with the Kent Youth orchestra to a dance orchestra, perhaps more complement key missing players in keeping with the palm court of the orchestrations Jean went orchestras. on to perform at her hospital Balls and other musical and social The Jean Bentley Dance events. This took jean through Orchestra is currently running The Jean Bently to see some of the beautiful Tea dances on a Sunday Band plaing at a ballrooms in London, both in afternoons at the Plaza suite small local event. hotels and dance halls. in the Stag Theatre Sevenoaks with DJ Ian Bayley from the 1940s Society. Local dance teachers Dave and Sandra Coppen –‘Shall we dance’ provide tuition at the event but also run classes locally in the Jean Bentley at the Sevenoaks and South London Rivoli Ballroom in area. (see advert on page 17). South East London

12 13 magazine the band was voted best Dance Orchestra. This vote lead to more interest by the listener’s and Musical Missive more comments of dislike from the older members at the Savoy Hotel Fredrico “Fred” Elizalde where he made several broadcasts by Jeff ‘Two-Tone Boogie” A.W.G.H. for the BBC, who did not help his case, in July of 1929 his contract expired and was never renewed. Critical of British Dance Band music.... Student of the Royal Conservatory.... Music prize winner at the age However at the same time Fred of 14... Classical and Jazz pianist.... Composer.... Conductor composed a set of musical works and band leader Fredico “Fred” Elizalde is our subject for that bought together the best this issue of ‘Musical Missive’. attributes of Jazz and European concert music, these works included ‘The Heart of a Nigger’ Fredrico’s early years of study Stanford University USA. Although in 1927 - 1928 and ‘Bataclan’ were spent studying piano at Fred was well studied in law he produced by Sergei Diaghilev. the Madrid Royal Conservatory had a massive interest in music, as Fred’s association with Siegfried where he won first prize for piano this interest grew so did the urge Fred Elizalde with It was in 1926 that he made his Wagner started in 1928 when he at the age of 14. His parents, for Fred to leave law and turn to the Savoy Hotel first recording with the Cinderella visited Germany, where as well Band both natives of Madrid were very music for a career. He left school Roof Orchestra. Just after as in Belgium and the Netherland proud of their first son Joaquin (a in 1926 embarking on a career as these recordings were made he conducted various orchestras. diplomat), and were equally proud a Jazz band leader, leading the Fred returned to England and Also in 1928 he wrote the complete of Fredico, better known as Fred Stanford University Band playing Cambridge University to study law. musical works for Pola Negri’s final when he left home to study at St at the Baltimore Hotel in Los It did not take him long to start silent film ‘The Way of Lost Souls’ Joseph’s College in London and in Angeles while continuing to study a new band, the Quinguaginta also known as ‘The Woman He the 1920s started to study Law at composition under Ernst Bloc. Band which was very successful Scorned’. and had great influence on the development of British Jazz music On his return to England Fred in 1927 and onwards. Fred was started a tour in Scotland but with very critical with his comments the onset of the Great Depression about British Dance Band music the tour was not well received and worked hard to bring in some and in 1929 Fred broke up his of the American idea’s of rhythm. band, which in-turn meant a This lead to his making various return to America for many of recordings for both Brunswick and his American players. In 1930 Decca with his band. Although Fred was leading a new band at they recorded under several the Duchess Theatre in London, ensemble names these recordings although this was successful he became very popular and the accepted the job as conductor of more up-tempo and bouncy of the Symphony Orchestra, these recordings are very hard which marked his return to Manila. to find nowadays. Players in the It was only at this point at the age band varied from the very best of 23 that he received his parent’s of the days British and American consent to continue with his love players such as Harry Hayes and of working the music world, which Jack Jackson to and was a big release for Fred as his Bobby Davis, with the readers parents always wanted him to of the days Melody Maker music work in law. , Madrid and

14 15 Fred had a close association with and in Paris in 1931 to 1933, he also conducted the first performances of some of Milhaud’s musical works. During this time in Paris he also composed a number of songs, which were used in the play ‘Pajara Pinta’ by Rafeal Alberti. After a short stay in Spain Fred returned to France and enrolled in the Requeti troops of Navarre, Fred Elizalde and his band. a Basque regiment and fought during the Spanish Civil War until 1939, although he was wounded and decorated for his efforts. During the WWII years Fred lived in confinement in a house in , France under German occupation, during which time he composed many works of music including ’s, violin concertos and many more.

His return to Manila in 1948 to Fred Elizalde and his Cinderella Roff Orchestra - 1926 conduct the Manila Symphony Orchestra, also lead to Fred becoming president of the National Radio Broadcasting Company. Fred also conducted a number of orchestras in Japan and led the London Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall during the Festival of Britain in 1951. Outside of music Fred was an excellent sharpshooter, winning gold medals as captain of the shooting team in 1954.

Fred Elizalde and his American Anglo Band based in London in 1927. From to hot Jazz, from violin concertos to the dance music many other great cities around the of the 1930s and 1940s, from light world were short time homes for music compositions to symphonic Fred as he conducted in various poems Fredrico “Fred” Elizalde has orchestras. During this time Fred left behind him a grand history and wrote a number of symphonic contribution the world of music. poems of which Jota, Spiritual and He passed away on 16th January Moods were the most popular. 1979.

16 17 Events Diary Not a complete 22nd May 2015 30 May 2015 20 June 2015 menswear, militaria, vintage toys listing of The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks Batley Vintage Day 2015 WAR ON THE LINE and games, hats and accessories everything A Schoolboy in London - Bateley is off the M1 exit at Mid Hants Railway, Alresford, and more. Admission is FREE that’s going on 1940 to 1945 junction 40 Hants - Postcode: SO24 9JG details: www.brevents.co.uk email but a few Ray Broomfield will giving a From 10:00 to 17:00 in the town (South East England) [email protected] or call events that may presentation about his life in centre this FREE event looks like Wartime Railway event. 07779342782 be of interest to London during the war. This it will be a great day out. For further information: contact 10.00-4.30 Saturday and 10.00- members. illustrated talk will include details There is a lot going on through 01962733810. Visit: www. 4.00 on Sunday of his school days and coping with the day with entertainment, watercressline.co.uk/product. More are listed life between 1940 and 1945. Ray vehicles, vintage stalls, and loads php/26/war-on-the-line 31 July 2015 on the website will also be bringing along original more. There is also a dance being The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks at www.1940. wartime items from his collection. held the night before which might 4th - 5th July 2015 The Royal Engineers - Bomb co.uk be of interest if you are planning Isle of Wight Railway 1940s Disposal Come along and find out what life of making a weekend of it. There Weekend A display and presentation by was like for the children of the are far more details on the The Railway Station Station Rd, Capt. Mike Authers Blitz. website at: www.batleyvintageday. Havenstreet PO33 4DS In September 1940, after just two co.uk so do take a look. 01983 882204 weeks of the Blitz, there were 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near A favourite 1940s events set in a more than 3,700 unexploded Sevenoaks, Kent. 14 June 2015 wonderful location. Music, bombs waiting to be dealt with in Further details from Ian on 01732 Festival of Flight entertainment, dancing, London alone. Capt. Mike Authers 452505 Admission £3 Biggin HIll Airport - Postcode: re-enactment, vehicles and of will be displaying ordnance and TN16 3BH (Greater London) course some lovingly restored explaining the role of the Royal 24th May 2015 This is the 2nd in the series of air Steam Trains. A wonderful setting Engineers and how they dealt with Jean Bentley Tea Dance shows at Biggin Hill after they for a 1940s weekend. Visit www. the dangers of defusing UXBs, At the Stag Theatre Plaza Suite, ceased in 2010. This years show iwsteamrailway.co.uk for details. Butterfly bombs and firebombs. Sevenoaks 2.00pm - 4.30 pm will have an attendance of 18,000 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near With dance lessons included and which is capped following a sell 22nd - 26th July 2015 Sevenoaks, Kent. the Jean Bentley Dance Orchestra out in 2014. If you are interested The War & Peace Revival Further details from Ian on supplying the music what better please email [email protected] for RAF Westhanger, Folkestone 01732 452505 Admission £3 way to spend the afternoon. full details. This show will feature Racecourse Tickets £7.50 a unique Red Arrows, BBMF, A huge military vehicle event with 19th September 2015 Order Now from the Box Office on Typhoon Display as well as a masses of stalls, vehicles and The Coco Club 01732 450175 or online at www. simulted bombing of the airfield entertainment. A real experience if Enjoy the style and glamour of the stagsevenoaks.co.uk and fighter scramble. you’ve never been. Check the 1930s At the Stag Theatre Plaza website for full details. Suite, Sevenoaks - 7.30 pm 6th June 2015 14 June 2015 Visit www.thewarandpeacerevival. This vintage nightclub features The Spitfire Bounce 3pm to RAF COSFORD AIR SHOW co.uk for more details. period music from Empire Radio Midnight. Otford Village Memorial RAF Cosford - Postcode: WV7 and live performances by Hall, Otford, Kent TN14 5PQ 3EX (West Midlands) 25 & 26 July 2015 renowned musicians ‘The New The best music from the forties WWII Re-enactors & Vehicles Leyburn Home-Front Vintage Fair Arcadians’.This is an opportunity and early fifties required for a WWII Living History as part of the town wide Leyburn to wear your best classic clothing Dress to Impress, 1940/1950s Area at the RAF Cosford Air Show 1940s Weekend and enjoy an evening of fabulous civilian or allied uniform 2015. Large area with multiple Indoor and outdoor stands at music, social dancing and a 8 DJs - 9 hours, stalls, Music, exhibits planned. Contact via Thornborough Hall, Moor Road unique atmosphere. Dance & Fun email for interested parties please. Leyburn. DL8 5AB Tickets £15.00 Order Now from Tickets £10 All Day Camping on Saturday night Music dancing and refreshments the Box Office on 01732 450175 Details: 07931 674 158or www. available. spiffing atmosphere. True vintage or online at: preservers of sound.com Visit: www.CosfordAirShow.co.uk fashions, jewellery, home-wares, www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

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Issue 91 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UX

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