The 1940s Society

For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

Issue 80 July / August 2013 £3.00

Albert Bennett - War in the Far East We talk to a Burma Veteran Collecting Jaqmar Learn about these wartime propaganda scarves from author Mike Brown Vic Lewis by Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie” 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 Full Steam Ahead The 1940s Society Having just returned from the annual trip to the Isle of Wight steam For Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain railway 1940s weekend it is hard not to be enthusiastic about the summer and the events we have ahead. Regular meetings at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks

The weather was glorious, though, dare I say it, possibly a little too Friday 26th July 2013 - 8pm hot (I left off my waistcoat and simmered gently through the day in a smart woollen wartime business suit). As normal the turnout was excellent and some of the displays were truly spectacular with a Memories of the RAF and colossal amount of time, effort and expense being put into them.

Displays included the building of street scenes, police stations and South East Asia Command encampments with detailed exhibits and information to hand. What A talk and presentation by Albert Bennett really shone through was the knowledge and enthusiasm that was apparent with those I spoke to. There are always things to learn Second World War and it is fantastic to talk to like minded people who have such a veteran Albert Bennett passion for history. In fact a discussion with one such group will lead, I hope, to their giving a talk to the society sometime in the will be giving an future – something I am looking forward to already. illustrated talk on his experiences with With the summer still ahead and many historical events coming up 155 Spitfire squadron in the next few months I encourage you to get along to some of in Asia. these shows. As well as being a great place to learn more about our history they also give an opportunity to meet like minded people As well as his UK and make new friends. Enjoy the weather while you’re out there postings Albert was and lets hope it lasts! stationed in India, Burma, Singapore Kind Regards and Sumatra.

Ian Albert who is now 99 years old is a fascinating speaker and this Please support the Society with a subscription on-line at is a rare www.1940.co.uk or fill out and return the form on the back of this magazine. opportunity to hear a first hand account from someone who 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] . experienced the bitter war in Asia. 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 Albert Bennett - War in the Far East Albert Bennett was with 155 Spitfire Squadron in Advertise Asia during the Second World War. He is 99 years old and we are delighted that he will be our speaker here at our society meeting in July. We met up with Albert to find out a little more about his background and experience.

for as little Alberts father had joined the area going to school locally. army at the age of 15 and had His parents weren’t well off but as £20 been stationed both in Britain Albert won a scholarship to and India. When the First Rochester Technical College World War broke out he was and after 4 years there he left sent straight to France as one to become an apprentice at a of the ‘old contemptibles’ and local office machine company. was captured on the Somme Having taken night school where he was sent to Germany classes at book keeping he and then on to Russia as a worked first in the office but POW. His wartime experiences having a keen interest in the left him suffering from very engineering and the repair poor health for the rest of his side of the business he soon MEMBERS SPECIAL OFFER life. transferred out of the office where he completed his 5 Prompted by the photograph in Albert was born in Rochester year apprenticeship. During Issue 79 I was offered some in 1914 and grew up in the this time he often worked on copies of an excellent book by Tom Hickman, ‘Called Up, Sent Down - The Bevin Boys’ War’ at a price worth passing on.

The RRP is £9.99 but the first 7 people who want to buy it at £5.99 (plus p&p) have a bargain. Available from the website or give me a call if you’re not connected. Albert Bennett with some of the royal photographs and messages he has recieved.

4 5 married for 66 years). Because complete with bush hats and automatic pilots and gun of his occupation he was shorts. This certainly gave sights. unable to join-up as his work them all an idea of where they was classed as a reserved would be heading. After 6 months he was sent occupation. He was repairing to 155 Spitfire Squadron in machinery at Woolwhich Albert found himself in India Burma and ended up staying Arsenal, police stations and working in temperatures of 120 with them as they moved on to hospitals as well as other degrees. Because of the heat Singapore and Sumatra. important organisations which he often started at 4 in the Conditions were hot but the needed his skills. morning, working till mid-day. squadron had basic buildings Finally in 1941 Albert was He was not just involved in the and huts to live in although Chrismas menu the submarines and ships at released to join-up after a maintenance and repair of the often accompanied with some from 1945. Chatham dockyard, repairing retired gentleman was found Albert stands instruments but also worked of the more exotic wildlife proudly in front of and maintaining equipment with some training who could one of the many on other essential equipment in the form of snakes and when they came in for refits. replace him. Joining up at aeroplanes he such as the oxygen systems, spiders. Kidbroke he was immediately worked on. Leaving this firm after having ‘snapped up’ as an ‘Instrument been there 6 years Albert Basher’, known now as an became service manager ‘Instrument Technician’, for another office machine someone who would be company and spent time in suitably skilled to repair the Bournemouth, Portsmouth and instruments in aircraft. After Southampton often working on a spell of basic training Albert liners repairing and servicing was sent to Meltsham for his machines when ships came technical training, which he into port. passed with flying colours and was then sent to Sutton Albert came back to Bridge central Gunnery school Bexleyheath in 1939 to take where he worked on Spitfires, up the position of service Wellingtons and Lysander’s. manager at local company Here he met many top pilots ‘Sergeants’ and settle down and learnt to play darts – an and get married. Despite the essential skill while waiting for outbreak of war in 1939 he planes to return after flights! married in 1940 (and was Alberts next posting was kept secret (as all wartime information was) and he had no idea where he was being sent. However, he went to Blackpool to get kitted out for his posting and found himself Some of the amongst a large group of Japanese invasion money that Albert his colleagues on Blackpool collected. Promenade in full tropical kit

6 7 Tragedy was part of everyday The war was over but we living and Albert got to know were still fighting. We had many of the pilots who never transferred to Sumatra where Jacqmar returned from their missions. we were helping to stop the While at Singapore he was plantation owners from being also involved in helping the killed by terrorists. You had to ‘Propaganda’ Scarves prisoners who had been held be careful there. You had to Mike Brown is a well known authority and at the infamous Changi prison. go about in twos and always author on Britains Homefront during the Albert recalls: “As the war armed. Second World War. Here he talks about a went on we knew how our fascinating aspect of Britains wartime fashion. servicemen were being I was one of the last to get treated. The conditions were de-mobbed. Instruments and terrible and they were killed engineering services were in deliberately or often left to die demand all the time and were through lack of food and water. required right to the end. I It was awful to think about and finally got home in October I was glad to be able to help 1946.” airlift many of the prisoners out of Changi. Albert now supports the work of the Rainbow Trust who support When the Japanese left children with life threatening Singapore the deaths didn’t or terminal illnesses. His book ‘Spitfires over Burma’ is available stop. They left behind from the Rainbow Trust website poisoned water and drinks and at: www.rainbowtrust.org.uk for a lot of blokes died when the just £10.00. war was over. Visit www.1940.co.uk/acatalog/ After VE Day there was the-1940s-society to see Albert certainly a feeling that we had read his moving poem. been forgotten. The war was going on and on. The dropping of the Atomic bombs was a very sad thing but I think it had to be. So many more lives would have been lost if they hadn’t been forced to surrender and they weren’t going to give up. Some of the Japanese couldn’t surrender even after the bombs were dropped, they committed suicide rather than Right: Albert Bennett with surrender. It’s a bad business his book “Spitfires war but it had to be. over Burma” ‘London Alert’ designed by Arnold Lever c. 1940

8 9 The firm of Jacqmar began Most of these were the Unlike the pre-war versions, in 1932 as the textile house creations of Jacqmar’s house these were not made in silk, of Joseph, ‘Jack’, Lyons. designer Arnold Lever, who as its use in civilian clothes Then, as now, it was common continued producing designs was banned. Due to its unique to give businesses in the for the company even after combination of strength and fashion world a French name, joining the RAF. His work lightness, silk was needed believing this added an air was simple, colourful, and in for parachute manufacture. of sophistication and style. the form of cartoonish line- Consequently, wartime Jack Lyons added his name drawings which often displayed Jacqmar designs were printed to his wife’s, Mary, and gave a sense of humour. The prints on cotton or rayon. the result a French spelling, were executed in colour ‘Happy Landings’ - RAAF version c. 1941 creating ‘Jacqmar of London’. blocks, which were imperfectly The reason the propaganda registered (lined up), which, scarf was so successful with their bright, often primary is was the combination of colours, give the prints the circumstances created by the feel of a child’s comic. Only a war itself. The first was the few of his designs for Jacqmar growing shortage of clothing are signed – ‘AL’ – unsigned which would lead, in 1941, works by Lever can often be to rationing. Vast amounts of recognized by his style. cloth were needed for the war effort, for uniforms, barrage Although Jacqmar propaganda balloons, parachutes and textiles were used for dresses, ‘Dig For Victory’ (Detail) designed by Arnold Lever c. 1940 so on, which in turn needed blouses, aprons and pyjamas, vast numbers of machinists, ‘Put That Light Out’ designed by Arnold From their offices and these are very rare. Over many tailors, cutters, etc. Many firms Lever c. 1942 showroom at 16 Grosvenor years of collecting I have only took on lucrative government Street Mayfair W.1, they seen these larger items in contracts, dropping their produced high class, museum collections. The few previous private production expensive textile prints, items which do come on the lines; those who continued often in silk. On Jack’s death market are scarves in the form to produce for the civilian in 1938, Allan Allan was of women’s squares, and the market found themselves appointed to manage the firm, rarer, long versions for men, facing shortages of materials, until his son Richard bought to be worn as neck scarves or and LIMOSOs – limitation of both the firm and the name cravats. supply orders. These dictated ‘London Wall’ designed by Arnold Lever c. 1942 Jacqmar in the early fifties. that manufacturers in many fields were limited to producing Jacqmar textiles are widely only a fraction of their pre- collected, but it is their scarves war totals. Thus the supply of which are best known; from clothing to shops was severely the art deco designs of the curtailed, producing shortages thirties, to psychedelic versions and, therefore, price rises. from the 1960s. Yet by far the most prized examples are the Under clothing rationing, those Bottom right: ‘Propaganda scarves’ of the who did not already possess ‘The Senior Service’ c. 1942 wartime period. an extensive wardrobe found ‘Letters from the Front’ alternative title ‘Envelopes’ 10 11 that a few items of clothing had along with London sights such to stretch a long way. People as policemen and red buses, were advised that garments and wartime slogans. Another were best in plain, low-key US aimed version was ‘Hell’s colours, which could be used Angels’ depicting the badge of on a mix and match basis, the US Eighth Army Air Force. and brightened up by colourful accessories such as belts, Others had a very British feel, ‘Time Gentlemen scarves, hats, and jewellery. Please’ designed by including ‘Churchill’ showing Arnold Lever the man himself wearing his Massive calls on manpower, c. 1942 famous homburg, and with a first into the armed forces, and ‘Churchill’ Jacqmar scarves varied in cigar, on a Union Jack. Another secondly into war production size, but were around 36inches was ‘Time Gentlemen Please’ meant that Britain’s women square, while the man’s showing soldiers and sailors were needed in factories up in the poster ‘Cover your hair version was usually around 42 drinking at bars, with a border and down the country. RoSPA, for safety – Your Russian by 17 inches. They were never of public house names and the Royal Society for the sister does.’ Thus a scarf, like cheap; the final propaganda beer slogans at the corners. Prevention of Accidents, had overalls or trousers, became scarf, ‘Les Lauriers de la been involved in producing the uniform of the female Victoire’, produced in May Yet others depicted British propaganda aimed at safety industrial worker, and these 1945 for VE Day, cost a forces, including ‘England in the workplace since World in turn were adopted as the stonking £2 15s 10d (the better Expects’-- a design of War 1, and Ernest Bevin, WW2 symbols of those ‘doing their part of a week’s wages) and 2 ships’ signal flags of Minister of Labour, co-opted bit’, and subsequently virtually coupons. Nelson’s message on a RoSPA into the Ministry’s the norm for civilian women. gold background; ‘The welfare division. They were, in fact, mainly Senior Service’; ‘Combined Add to this the wonderful produced for the export Operations’; ‘Keep It Under One of their key measures adaptability of the large market, and some of the Your Hat’, and ‘Happy for the new female industrial square; it could worn as a designs were clearly produced Landings’. workforce was a drive to get headscarf peasant-style, tied with US servicemen in mind, women workers in factories behind the head, or tied up at such as The American Forces One of the surprises for the to cover their hair, to prevent the front, or under the chin, in London with images of US new collector is that there it being caught in lathes and or folded into a long strip and and British servicemen around were often variations -– most the like. The answer to this tied at the front, turban-style. It London landmarks such as typically in background was often a scarf, as shown could also be used as a shawl, Piccadilly and Hyde Park, colours; I have seen designs or crossed over, bolero-style. such as ‘Into Battle’ in white, pink and yellow. Designs vary Early Jacqmar scarves were in other ways too: some are merely squares of their textiles, printed in monochrome on a such as ‘London Wall’, ‘Here is coloured background, while the News’, London Alert’. But variations have the design the popularity of the scarf soon coloured in with blocks; others saw designs specifically for omit captions or parts of the head squares, such as ‘SEAC’, design. Most interestingly, ‘Combined ‘Into Battle’, and ‘Salvage your ‘The American some, such as “Happy Operations’ rubber’. Forces in London’ Landings’ change country, so

12 13 that the RAF wings change whose products cost a lot to RAAF (Royal Australian Air less, though it has to be Force) wings in some versions. said, few match the sheer joy of Jacqmar’s magnificent Another group show the British designs. home front, including ‘Put That Light Out’, ‘London Wall’, ‘Here Mike Brown is an author Is The News’ and ‘The Home and consultant specialising Guard’. in Britains Home Front during the Second World Finally there were designs War. which celebrated our allies, such as ‘Free France’ being He is a regular speaker the text of De Gaul’s message; to the 1940s Society and ‘à tous les Francais’, ‘Letters we stock a number of his From The Front’, ‘Red Star’, excellent books which are and most hopefully, ‘Shoulder available from the Society To Shoulder’ showing the website. badges of the US and British army, navy and air forces, reflecting the wartime propaganda theme of ‘we’re all in this together’.

Nowadays Jacqmar Propaganda scarves will often fetch tens of pounds for the more common patterns and hundreds for the rarer versions. Luckily for those of us with limited means there are still bargains to be had, including the work of other home front textile producers

‘Les Lauriers de la Victoire’ 1945

14 15 Photo Album Original Period Photographs with a Story Britain Declares War on Germany. (3 Sept. 1939)

Great crowds gathered in Downing Street as zero hour 11 a.m. approached, when the time limit of the ultimatum to Germany expired, and it was announced that Great Britain had declared war on Germany for her aggression against Poland.

This unusual photograph captures something of the tension and anxiety of the everyday men and women who gather to hear the news that will change their lives forever. Little do they know that this announcement begins 5 long years of struggle that will finally bring victory and peace.

16 17 Vic Lewis by Jeff ‘Two-Tone Boogie’ A brief introduction to Vic Lewis, a talented musician and band leader who made a significant contribution to the world of music. to record on a regular basis. Many of Vic’s band members went on to become prominent faces in the British Jazz Scene with his early recordings featuring some famous and popular artists such as George Shearing, Johnny Claes, Reginald Arnold, Carlo Krahmer along with many others. From the 1940s onwards some of Britain’s most popular and recognised modern Jazz musicians played Vic Lewis’ early years are in one of the many Vic Lewis a bit of a mystery with little bands. documentation about his life prior to the late 1930’s. He was The Vic Lewis Swing String born Victor Joseph Lewis in Quartet was formed in 1935 London on July 29th 1919 and and he started working with by the age of three he began Radio Luxembourg and to play banjo while a few years the BBC on various radio later he switched to guitar and broadcasts. The onset of cornet. At the age of fifteen war in September 1939 Victor had an accident while was a significant time for playing football and broke his everyone and a major change arm. The result of the badly for Vic. He signed up as a set (or in this case oddly set) volunteer for the RAF and plaster cast was that after during his first posting he met healing he could sit for hour with Ken Thorne and Jack upon hour and play guitar. Parnell. All three were later posted to High Wycombe It is recorded that from 1934 where they met with Buddy at the tender age of 15 this Featherstonhaugh. They already talented musician joined together and formed began to lead bands and just the Buddy Featherstonhaugh a couple of years later started Radio Rhythm Club Sextet and

18 19 The ‘Jazz Men’ however were and some concerts were year working with The BBC not destined to last long in this cut short. While in America Radio Big Band Vic Lewis format and after disbanding in 1958 the band played made several recordings with Vic continued with his own concerts at various universities American West Coast artist Vic Lewis Jazzmen outfit and which thankfully were more Bud Shank. soon began broadcasting for successful and during 1959 the the BBC. By late 1946, with a band went on tour at various Vic Lewis was made a MBE change in interests and always American military camps with in 2007 for his work raising keen to gain more knowledge three appearances at New money for various charities. and understanding in music, York’s Birdland Club with He produced many albums by Vic formed his first big band Dudley Moore as pianist. some of his loved American that was billed as “The Music West Coast artists and wrote of Tomorrow by The Band of Despite financial help and two books one of which “My Today”. Following a successful encouragement from his Life in Jazz” is a wonderful tour of Britain Vic and this mother during the late 1950’s collection of photographs from new band appeared at the and early 1960’s Vic Lewis’ Vic’s career in music especially 1949 Paris Jazz Festival then band started to fail in the fight Jazz. Along with many continued abroad with a tour against the rise of Rock music recordings made for HMV of Holland. A tour of Ireland and at this point of his career and Parlophone Vic Lewis soon followed and many of the Vic Lewis adapted to become also recorded for Esquire, very best of young British Jazz a booking agent. Decca, and Philips. He next artists were members of this formed an association with the band. Vic finally returned to Royal Philharmonic Orchestra were given time off for BBC performing in 1984 forming (RPO), arranging concerts and After collapsing twice on stage Programme from a new big band to record conducting it on nine albums. broadcast work. This small 1957 when Vic band also made around 26 with heart problems Vic was played alongside with visiting American artist Vic Lewis died in London on recordings for HMV. in need of a long rest. This so Bill Haley Shorty Rogers. The following 9th February 2009 aged 89. called long rest amounted to With the presence of various eight weeks working on new military bands in and around arrangements. On his return to London the opportunity arose performing he started with his for Vic to play with some of the band backing Frankie Laine on skilled American musicians. a tour of Britain and with this It was with Parnell that Lewis successful tour behind them formed the Vic Lewis and Jack the band then went on tour Parnell Jazz Men and made backing Johnny Ray. approximately 30 recordings for Parlophone. One brilliant Visiting the USA, the band achievement during this period was part of a Rock n Roll of his musical career was the tour that included Bill Haley selling of 50,000 copies of the and his Comets along with Parlophone recording “Ugly The Platters. However, Vic Child”. was disappointed that many of the audiences did not take to the bands form of playing

20 21 Not a complete Events Diary A Vintage Weekend. Sights and sounds of a 7th September 2013 Various Venues - July to October 2nd – 4th August 2013 bygone age. 10am - 4pm both days. Otford 1940s Swing Dance 7-30 till listing of Formby - Theatrical Production MILITARY AND FLYING MACHINES Museum Open, Wartime Fete, Military Midnight. Otford Village Memorial Hall, everything that’s Formby’ follows George Formby’s rise from Damyns Hall Aerodrome In Upminster, Vehicles, Vintage and Classic Cars, Further Otford, Kent TN14 5PQ awkward stable boy to one of Britain’s Essex - (Greater London) going on but a details at www. Dress to Impress, 1940/1950s civilian or biggest stars. In a unique one-man The Essex Military Vehicle Trusts’ Military few events that roughamcontroltowermuseum.com allied uniform Free tea, coffee & doughnuts, performance Ewan Wardrop plays the role and Flying Machines Show,.Over 300 may be of interest Please bring your own drinks of Formby, as well as all the key characters military vehicles from awesome Jeeps to Large dance floor and clothing stalls to members. involved in this fascinating slice of his life. the massive tanks, over 60 historical 16th August 2013 Tickets £7 on the door. Details: 07931 674 Visit www.formbyshow.com for details of a re-enactment displays depicting life in the IN THE MOOD - 1940s experience night 158or www.preservers of sound.com More are listed on venue near you military from medieval time’s right up to the Evesham Town Hall, Evesham the website at modern day. Visit: www. Worcestershire The Three Belles bring you their very own 27th September 2013 www.1940.co.uk 26th July 2013 militartandflyingmachines.org.uk 1940s experience night where you can be The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks whisked back in time for a night of nostalgia 3rd August 2013 The Real Dads Army Memories of the RAF and South East Asia and fantastic entertainment! 1940s dress Blitz Party - Nettle Hill, Brinklow Road, Author and wartime expert Mike Brown Command code is a must. Dance to the sounds of The Ansty, Coventry CV7 9JL. 7.00 till late. gives a fascinating insight into the role of Second World War veteran Albert Bennett Three Belles, The Bevin Boys and some Experience the delights of songbird Laura the Home Guard during the Second World will be giving an illustrated talk on his fantastic guest acts. 7.30pm start. Call The Clinton ‘singing the forties’, wartime films, War. The Home Guard was portrayed in the experiences in 155 spitfire squadron in Asia. Almonry Heritage Centre on 01386446944 food and cocktails. Dance floor, live music, popular television comedy ‘Dads Army’ but Albert who is now 99 years old is a or visit them in person. No online sales for shelter opens at 7pm. Further details from how realistic was this series and would the fascinating speaker and this is a rare this event. [email protected] enquiries@ Home Guard have actually stopped an opportunity to hear a first hand account Visit the Three Belles web site for more nettlehill.co.uk or 02476 621899 enemy invader. Come along and find out! from a veteran. information at: www.thethreebelles.com Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Admission £3 9th August 2013 Sevenoaks, Kent. IN THE MOOD - 1940s experience night 17th - 18th August 2013 Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Combined Ops at Headcorn Admission £3 26th - 28th July 2013 America Hall, De La Rue Way, Pinhoe, The Military Show and Vintage Aircraft Festival of the Forties’ Exeter, EX4 8PX Weekend Plough Event Site, Peterborough, The Three Belles bring you their very own 5th October 2013 Headcorn Aerodrome near Ashford, Kent, Cambridgeshire 1940s experience night where you can be Spitfire Bounce 7-30 till Midnight TN27 9HX. The Invicta Military Vehicle After heavy rain forced the cancellation of whisked back in time for a night of nostalgia Swing, Jive & Boogie all night to music from Preservation Society presents a fantastic last year’s event, the organisers have and fantastic entertainment! 1940s dress the 1940s & early 1950s. weekend including Red Arrows flyover, bounced back with a bigger event on a new code is a must. Dance to the sounds of The Slade Green Community Center, Bridge Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Military site and with an impressive line-up of Three Belles, The Bevin Boys and some Road, Erith (Dartford) DA8 2HS vehicle Displays, Military & Classic Aircraft, re-enactment groups. The event is raising fantastic guest acts. 7.30pm start. Tickets Dress to Impress, 40s or 50s Civilian or Arena Action, Tanks, Living History money for the Royal British Legion and the £15 (£12 concessions) available on Allied uniform. Free tea, coffee & Displays, Militaria Stalls, Dance Lessons RAF Benevolent Fund. Details at 07702197393. doughnuts, Please bring your own drinks and much more. Adults £9, Children (upto www.1940sfest.org or call 01733 204353 for Visit the Three Belles web site for more Tickets £7 on the door 14) £7, Senior Citizens £7, Family Ticket further details. information at: www.thethreebelles.com Details: 07931 674 158 or www.preservers £25. Visit www.combinedops.co.uk for more of sound.com details 27th - 28th July 2013 10th & 11th August 2013 ‘Thanet at War’ YANKS ARE BACK IN SADDLEWORTH 23rd November 2013 Ramsgate, Kent Saddleworth Near Oldham 17th August 20213 Otford 1940s Swing Dance 7-30 till Returning to the clifftop site for the fourth Military Vehicle Encampments, Militaria & MUSICAL SALUTE TO THE FEW Midnight. Otford Village Memorial Hall, successive year, re-enactors, military Vintage stalls, Mr Churchill & Monty Visiting Biggin Hill Airport, Kent Otford, Kent TN14 5PQ vehicles and fund-raising stalls make for a the troops, Vintage fun fair, 1940’s Tea room Central band of the Royal Air Force with Dress to Impress, 1940/1950s civilian or very enjoyable day out whilst there is a and Cafe, American Classic Cars, Visit Spitfire and Hurricane displays.Presented allied uniform. Free tea, coffee & dance in town on Saturday evening. www.ww2events.co.uk for further details. by actor and aviator Martin Shaw. doughnuts, Please bring your own drinks Admission by programme, £2.00, children Visit: www.synergyeventsuk.com for further Large dance floor and clothing stalls details. free. Visit: www.bygonedaysramsgate.co.uk 10th & 11th August 2013 Tickets £7 on the door. Details: 07931 674 for further details. CRICH TRAMWAY 1940s weekend 158or www.preservers of sound.com Crich Tramway Village, Crich, Derbyshire 7th / 8th September 2013 2nd August 20213 A real taste of life during the Second World Lupton House 1940s Weekend 29th November 2013 1940’s Dance Masson Mills, Matlock, DE4 War in this unique setting. From farming to front line military action the The 1940’s Society - Sevenoaks 3PY . Dance 7.30-10.00pm. Live music from Visit: www.tramway.co.uk for further details. show will provide a snap shot of life during A closer look at ‘A Canterbury Tale’ the Ashby ‘little’ Big Band, a 1940s dance the 1940’s. With period vintage cars and Phil Clucas presents a fascinating insight motorcycles military vehicles and living band. 40s music for Jitterbuggers, 10th & 11th August 2013 into this classic 1944 British film made by Lindyhop, strollers and sequence dancers. history displays, vintage fair ground rides, the legendary team of Michael Powell and ECHOES OF THE PAST steam engines, local crafts and trade stalls, Tickets are £5, and include FREE food Rougham Control Tower Museum, Emeric Pressburger during which we will (selected menu). Further details or to book and much more it promises to be an enjoy watching it. 8pm at Otford Memorial Rougham Airfield, Nr Bury St Edmunds, interesting and fun weekend for all ages. your ticket please contact Jennie or Andrew Suffolk IP30 9XA Hall near Sevenoaks, Kent. on 01629 760208. Visit www.lupton1940sweekend.co.uk/ Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 22 23 The 1940’s Society Membership Application 2013

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Issue 80 Issue 90, Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UX

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