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The 1940’s Society, 90 Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UXTel: 01732 452505 Web: www.1940.co.uk Email: magazine@1940.co.uk

The 1940s SocietyFor Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

November / December 2012Issue 76 £3.00

One of the1940s Society Christmas Cards (original advert from Christmas 1941)

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I was asked recently why I run the 1940s Society and it did cause me to pause for thought. My normal answer includes remembering those who sacrificed so much and the importance of not forgetting important lessons from history. All true, but is that compensation for the late nights getting the final proofs of the magazine finished or the rushing around organising our local meetings?

Yes, I have a fascination for the history of the period and want to know more but on top of that I really do enjoy it and particularly meeting other members. Its so good to speak to members all over the country, to meet with you all and know that we aren’t isolated in our interest. It is the members that make the society. At events and at meetings I am often busy or rushing around so I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your support not just this past year, but for many of you, over many years.

The Society has changed since it began and I very much hope you enjoy these ‘improvements’ and that we will continue to add value to the membership. I am always asking for items for the magazine as well as feedback which is very welcome. I can’t always implement all of your suggestions but there are many changes that have come about directly from members.

We have come to the end of the year and I have again to ask for your support and your subscription to keep the Society going. The cost of postage, printing and everything else has rocketed again this year but we are determined to keep the membership the same at £15. If you enjoy the magazine, the website and the Society then please renew your membership using the form on the back page (or online). If you no longer wish to be a member please drop me a line and let me know why or what we need to do to improve.

Thank you once again for another splendid year and I look forward to meeting many of you in 2013.

Kind Regards

Ian

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: magazine@1940.co.uk .

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.

Whilst every effort has been made to contact all copyright holders, the sources of some pictures that may be used are obscure. The 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.

Designed and produced by Ian Bayley. . © Ian Bayley 2012

Thank You for your Support

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.

The 1940s SocietyFor Everyone Interested in Wartime Britain

Regular meetings at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks

Friday 30th November 2012 - 8pm

Friendly meetings learning more about life in the 1940’s. Meetings start at 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall, Nr. Sevenoaks.

Admission £3. Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 orvisit the Web Site at: www.1940.co.uk

Parachute Doctor

Captain David Tibbs RAMC MC as a member of 225 (Parachute) Field Ambulance and the 13th Parachute Battalion served with the 5th Parachute Brigade of the famous 6th Airborne Division.

His fascinating story includes jumping into Normandy on D-Day and fighting alongside the Japanese on the island of Java. All of which and more is comprehensively recounted in the new book “Parachute Doctor”.

This evening Neil Barber will be giving an illustrated talk about the extraordinary experiences of David Tibbs both during and after D-Day together with recently - never before seen - filmed interviews of David Tibbs talking about his experiences in person.

Neil has written a number of detailed books on the events of D-Day and is an expert on the role of the Parachute Battalion’s activities. We are delighted to have him come and talk to us.

Neil Barber shares excerpts from his new book detailing the amazing experiences of

Captain David Tibbs MC RAMC

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www.1940.co.uk

For music, books, and a variety of other wartime

related items

New selection of posters now available

NewWebsite

This 280 page hardback book has been extensively updated and is illustrated with over 600 wartime lapel badges and ephemera. It records the wartime history of over 200 organisations and should be on the shelves of anyone with an interest in the history of wartime Britain.

Doing their BitHome Front Lapel Badges 1939-1945 by Jon Mills

“Books on badges do not come any better than this one - clear informative text, brilliant layout, superb illustration and really easy to use. The book can also be held up as an example of how lapel badges have a story to tell and are small nuggets of social history. Indeed you do not have to be a badge collector to enjoy this work, anyone with an interest in the Home Front will be fascinated by the story and especially impressed by the level of detail that Jon incorporates.” Thebadgecollectorscircle.

ISBN: 9780955272394 Price: £45.00

Available from the 1940s Society: www.1940.co.uk

The 1930s has been described as the golden age of radio, during the war the wireless helped keep the population and the nation together as family members found themselves all over the world. So perhaps it is little wonder a radio programme featuring the current vintage 1940’s scene finds its way onto the airwaves.

‘Harry & Edna & on the Wireless’ is an hour long weekly radio show hosted by husband & wife team Harry & Edna. Their website describes the program as a look at the current 1930’s - 1940’s scene through a steamed-up monocle.

The radio programme is set to a back drop of ‘tip top’ recorded gramophone music while stylish guests help ensure a sense of old fashioned well-being. That sounds a tall order to live up to but after only listening for a few minutes of their show you can tell they love playing these fantastic tunes and it is a passion for them to introduce the music to new audiences. Perhaps a little more controversially, they just don’t play tunes from the 1940s. Harry explains; “We primarily play music from the 1920’s to the early 1950’s, but we also like to feature contemporary artists who record

Listen to the radio ~ the Harry & Edna wireless show

Harry & Edna choose another record for their gramaphone.

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in a vintage style. We believe it is good to give this aspect of the current vintage scene exposure”. “Plus” adds Edna “we like to demonstrate how the music from the 1930s / 40s is still a major influence on the music of today”. The show is broadcast live and although it is not yet a year old has established a following which literally spans the world.

“What is strange” says Harry “is we broadcast on a local UK radio station yet because the show is streamed through the internet we receive emails and messages from all over the world”.

Indeed the listenership does not passively listen they even contribute stories, information and even send music to the show.

“We have established amazing friendships with people from

all over the world, Jeff our new friend

in Charleston, USA even sent us a CD containing recordings from his own personal 78 V (Victory) disc collection” said Edna. “It is a real honour for us to play these tracks, recorded by the stars of the day exclusively for the armed forces. Especially as these versions of popular 1940s songs probably have not been heard on radio in years”.

Harry & Edna on the Wireless is broadcast live every Wednesday at 7pm on Secklow Sounds. The show is repeated & syndicated to other radio stations. You can listen via the internet using the ‘on demand’ service which contains almost the complete back catalogue.

For further information on how to listen to Harry & Edna on the Wireless go to www.harryandedna.co.uk and click on the tab which says ‘wireless’ or visit from the 1940s Society website ‘Links’ page.

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When conducting historical research there can be occasions when information comes to light which helps put in place missing pieces of a separate story. Such an occasion arose recently whilst assisting colleagues from the Lashenden Air Warfare Museum. We were in the process of researching material for a forthcoming book on the airfield during the war period and in particular the 354th Fighter Group of the United States Ninth Air Force who were based at the Advanced Landing Ground at Lashenden.

The Group, together with the 353rd, 355th and 356th arrived at Lashenden in April 1944 and took up residence in rather primitive conditions. White House and Shenley Farm had been requisitioned along with nearby buildings to provide offices and workshops, whilst pilots and ground crews lived in tents. All resident aircraft were the famous North American P51 Mustang fighters. The 354th were the first to operate the improved P51B and became known as the Pioneer Mustang Group. On the 18th April 1944 the Group undertook their first mission from Lashenden ; a straightforward affair involving withdrawal support for heavy bombers that had attacked Brandenburg. Pilots would often refer to such missions as a “milk

run”. As the crews settled down for the night under canvas, they were awoken in the early hours by an air raid warning. Let us now turn to the personal diary of a 354th crew member as he takes up the story.........

“On the night of the 18th, the first actual night at the new base for most of us, there was an air raid, which was nothing new to our personnel, of course, although a great many had wondered how different they would be now that we were in what we considered the danger zone south of London.

The warning system was rather crude and untried at this stage of the game and consisted on this night of two men dashing madly about the post in a jeep sounding a rather small siren. It is not on the records how many people actually responded to the alarm this time, although most

people had

been frantically

digging slit trenches all day,

but it is known that all

those who

did get up were

treated to a sight they had long wanted to witness – that of an enemy plane being shot down. And it was a stirring sight to see.

It was a beautiful night, cloudless too, except for a low distant ground haze. The aircraft was held in the crossing light of half a dozen searchlights and was unable to get away from them despite visible evasive flying. One light was seen to flash which was undoubtedly a

call to the night fighter and all of a sudden a series of flashes was observed and then a bright flash from the target plane which then sent out a series of flare – like flashes, much like a roman candle, and then started down trailing fire all the way as she spiralled groundward. The sound of the guns from the night fighter reached our ears many seconds after the flashes were observed and it is estimated that the attack took place about 5 or 6 miles away. We were unable to observe the plane hit the ground as the haze prevented this. However, a great red flare up, as if the plane exploded, was observed over the haze and, later, the sound of the explosion reached us. The plane evidently did not burn for, after the great red flash on its hitting the ground, total darkness followed. This sight was the main topic of conversation on all lips for several days.”

The object of the diarists detailed account was a Junkers Ju88A-4 belonging to the 6th Staffel of Kampfgeschwader 6.

First and Last MissionGraham Holmes takes us back to April 1944 where a cloudless night over wartime kent finds a battle overhead.

A German Junkers JU88 similar to the one flown on 18th April 1944

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Kampfgeschwader 6 was, at the time, operating from the Belgian airfield at Le Culot and in April 1944 was regularly engaged in Operation Steinbock. This operation, carried out by the Luftwaffe in and around London, the South East and other strategic targets, was undertaken in retaliation to the Bomber Command attacks on Berlin and was known in Britain as the Baby Blitz. A total of 474 bombers had been assembled in January 1944 to carry out the offensive. As a result of large losses the campaign was finally abandoned having achieved very little and marked the end of the Luftwaffe’s conventional large scale bombing operations against the British Isles. From June 1944, the population came under attack from the V1 Flying Bombs.

At about 23.00hrs on the 18th April, Junkers Ju88 (Werke

Nr.2537) took off from the grass runway at Le Culot and commenced the hazardous business of forming up in the dark with other aircraft ready for the flight to the target, which on this occasion was London. On board were four crew members. The pilot, Uffz.Helmut Harbauer, Uffz.Friedrich Schork – observer, Uffz.Hugo Muhlbauer – radio operator and the gunner, Uffz.Fritz Gotz. Incredibly, this was the first operational mission for this crew, who had only arrived at Le Culot the previous day. Hardly enough time to get to know their colleagues in the 6th Staffel. Having formed up, Harbauer decided that their route to the target would be accomplished by dead reckoning, since he distrusted use of other navigational aids. Climbing to an operational height of 23,000 feet, the Junkers crossed the Dutch coast and made for Leiston, Suffolk.

An easterly turn was made over Newmarket around 00.49hrs and the crew then flew directly to the target. Their return route was scheduled to take them across Kent and the Channel, making landfall at Boulogne and thence home to Le Culot.

The target had already been marked by red flares dropped by pathfinder aircraft and Schork indicated that the bomb load had been released. As the aircraft set course for home it was continually picked up by searchlights and Harbauer was forced to throw the Junkers around the sky to try and evade their searching fingers of light. Suddenly the aircraft was rocked by an explosion which Schork later correctly identified as an attack by a night fighter. As fire immediately ensued, Harbauer gave the order to bale out. In the subsequent events, witnessed by our diarist, Harbauer and Schork successfully took to their parachutes and landed near the crashed aircraft at Coursehorn,

Cranbrook. They were very quickly arrested and it was noted that they had only suffered minor injuries. Local records confirm that,”Mrs.Hickmott gave such first aid as was necessary”, on their arrival at Cranbrook Police Station. They were later collected by the military to begin life as prisoners of war. Harbauer was sent to work on a farm at Mobberley, Cheshire and thereafter to the United States, courtesy of the Queen Mary. Muhlbauer and Gotz were not so fortunate and their bodies were located, still in the Junkers Ju88 in which they had taken off on their first mission, also sadly to be their last.

The RAF crew which claimed the credit for this attack were Pilot Officer Allen and Flight Sargeant Patterson in a Mosquito of 96 Squadron based at nearby, West Malling. The following day, Allen and Patterson visited the crash site and examined what remained of the Junkers Ju88.

Members of the crew from the Junker JU88. L to R; Uffz Harbauer, Uffz Götze, Uffz Mühlbauer and Uffz Schork

Pilot Officer J Allen (right) and Flight Sergeant W Patterson, survey the wreckage of the Ju 88 which they shot down 18-19 April 1944. The Junkers was one of eight enemy bombers destroyed by RAF night-fighters that night.

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Please send your cheque plus £2 p&p per item payable to “The 1940s Society”.

Member OffersSpecial offers available to members only until 31st December 2012.Its nearly Christmas. The season of joy, goodwill, and too much rich food. Also an opportunity to bag yourself a Christmas bargain.I’ve put together a selection of special offers for members at not to be repeated prices. Hope you enjoy them.

RRP £9.50 RRP £14.00 RRP £14.00 RRP £14.00

Jon Mills has a meticulous eye for detail and has produced wonderfully informative and picture rich books for collectors, historians, re-enactors or anyone interested in Britains Homefront. The above books; 1. The Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS), 2. Identity Cards, Permits and Passes, 3. Pre-Service Training Corps for Girls (WJAC, GTC, GNTC), 4. The Mechanical Transport Corps (MTC), are essential books for the enthusiasts library. All four can be purchased from the society at only £5.00 each.

Night Raiders - Board Game

RRP £6.99

A nice reproduction of a wartime board game for 2 - 4 players.Available from the society at only £5.00.

Christmas on the Home Front

RRP £14.99

Homefront expert Mike Brown explores how people celebrated Christmas despite the problems of shortages, rationing, the blackout, Luftwaffe raids. Only £7.00.

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Recently there has been something new which is rather different from whats been done in the past. ‘The Blackout Party’ have been putting on events with a ‘twist’ and their next event on December 1st has a venue that is rather unique. The Milestones Museum Basingstoke.

For those that haven’t visited the Milestones museum it is the largest, authentic, covered venue of its kind in the country containing whole buildings and streets – a perfect setting for a wartime event where you will be able to explore the streets of 1940s Britain as the air raid sirens wail, watch live acts perform and enjoy the backdrop of pubs, shops, and housing rebuilt from the period.

Heather Wensley, one of the organisers for the Blackout Party says ‘We are extremely excited about hosting the Blackout Party at Milestones. It will be a totally different, almost spooky experience as you are transported back in time. With the quality, detail and authenticity of the Milestones venue, combined with our period acts.”

Visitors will be able to experience the victory atmosphere, 1940’s entertainment, risqué themed Burlesque from ‘the Barbie of Burlesque’ - Frankii Wilde and Southampton’sown delightful Miss Scarlet Delights throughout the evening with the ‘swingtastic’ live sounds of The Three Belles and the Bevin Boys. Then, when the lights go down and the blitz

begins, take cover as you’re swung into the vibrant, quirky, club world of Electro Swing for a totally different club experience with the Southampton based Still-Moving DJs! During the evening the air raid sirens will randomly sound, announcing their very own ‘Shot Gun Girls’ who will wonder around with their usherette trays and provide a Blackout pick-me-up and American donuts! Night long entertainment includes their resident Spiv, Air Raid Wardens, cabaret girls and other 1940’s characters along with vintage stalls and hair stylists, The Vintage Hair Lounge, swing dance lessons and 1940’s games. Plenty to do before the Blitz!

I asked Heather who the Blackout Party is aimed at?

1940s events are popular and most of us with an interest in the war have been along to some sort of wartime dance. Often at railways or even village halls and we’ve a good idea of what to expect. But could there be something else going on in the wartime event scene?

“The Blackout Party is aimed at a wide audience wishing to enjoy a period where times although harder, were fun! Combining quality live acts and music with modern electro swing and risqué burlesque, the Blackout Party experience is totally unique. We aim to attract a new younger audience that will get the bug enjoyed by a number of established groups and we want to do a number of these events all over the country!! We are offering an alternative night out to the standard clubbing experience and I think we are in an age where the younger generations are craving this - we hope to spread to blitz spirit and carry on all that is great about the 40’s era”

Tickets for this event are £15.For further details visit: www.theblackoutparty.co.uk , call 07530 317021 or see the advertisement on page 12.

It will be a totally different, almost spooky experience as you are transported back in time.

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big band leader whose band stayed active and popular for 55 years

Ted Heathby Jeff ‘Two-Tone Boogie’

Born on March 30th 1902 George Edward “Ted” Heath was a respected and well loved British musician and big band leader whose band stayed active and popular for 55 years.If not the most popular he was certainly up amongst the top band leaders with a career that saw him record approximately 100 albums and sell over 20 million records.

Heath started to play the tenor horn at the age of six and later changed to trombone. He was encouraged by his father who at the time was leader of the Wandsworth Town Brass Band. Heath helped to support his family playing with his brother and three other musicians outside London Bridge Station and the Queen’s Hall Gardens. It was outside the later venue that Heath was first noticed and asked to play with Jack Hylton and his band inside the venue.

In the early 1920s The Southern Syncopation Orchestra (an American band) were on tour in Europe and required a trombone player - Heath fitted the bill. This engagement was Heaths first real gig with a big band. Although he eventually had to

pay his own fair to get back home to England from Vienna as the band run out of money.

Returning to Britain Heath played with the Metro-Gnomes, a British band led by Ennis Parkes and In 1925 and 1926 Heath played in The Kit Cat Club Band, which was being led by American band leader Al Starita. It was with this band that Heath heard Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman and Bunny Berigan.

In 1928 Heath started to play at the Mayfair hotel in London and he joined Ambrose’s orchestra, where he learnt how to lead a band. By 1935 when he moved to Grosvenor House playing with Sidney Lipton’s orchestra Heath had been recorded a number of times and was regarded as the greatest British trombone player, noted for his perfect tone.

This month Jeff “Two-Tone Boogie” continues his series of articles on important musicians with a look at one of the most popular British bandleaders of the 20th Centuary.

George Edward ‘Ted’ Heath

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It was the start of WWII that caused the Lipton band to disband while on tour in Scotland. Heath and his family re-located back to London and he joined Maurice Winnick’s Dorchester Hotel band. It was during the early war years that Heath played as a sideman on numerous Benny Carter recordings. 1940 saw Heath playing at concerts and live broadcasts with Geraldo’s orchestra, he also travelled with the band to the Middle East to play to Allied Forces based there. Heath often sang with Geraldo’s ‘Three Boys and a Girl’ vocal group. It was around this time that Geraldo requested that a few of his band members suggest a favourite tune for broadcasting/playing at the concerts. Heath had written “That Lovely Weekend” (a tune inspired by a poem written by his wife during one of Heath’s weekend leave periods). This tune was orchestrated with Dorothy Carless on vocal. This tune became an immediate war

time hit. It was with the royalties from this song and another called “Gonna Love That Guy” that gave Heath the money to form his own band, “Ted Heath and his Music”. Ted Heath and Glenn Miller had many conversations about Heath’s own band, with Heath loving the precision of the Miller orchestra and keeping notes from the conversations he had.

In 1944 that after discussions with Douglas Lawrence (Dance and Music organiser for the BBC) Heath finally got the support for his new larger band. Heath’s new band was based on the American big band that had never been seen in Britain before. This band followed the American model, and featured 5 Saxes, 4 Trombones, 4 Trumpets, Piano, Guitar, Bass and Drums. The new Ted Heath Band, originally organized as a British “All Star Band” playing only radio dates, was first heard on a BBC broadcast in 1944. In 1945, the BBC decreed that only

permanent, touring bands could appear on radio. So “Ted Heath and his Music” were officially formed on D-Day, 1945.

In 1946 Heath and his band were featured at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, they completed a tour of Scandinavia along with a fortnight at the London Casino with Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald at the London Palladium. With their popularity growing Heath’s band were regular winners of various polls in Melody Maker and New Musical Express, Britain’s leading music newspapers.

Ted Heath and his Music also appeared in two Royal Command Performances in

1948 and 1949. Heath being the persuasive business man that he was talked Val Parnell into allowing him to hire the London Palladium on alternative Sunday nights for his Sunday Swing Swing Sessions, eventually playing 110 Sunday concerts. In addition to these Sunday night concerts the band played regularly at the Hammersmith Palais as well as touring the UK on a weekly basis.

In 1956 Heath and his Band went on their first American tour. The arrangements for this tour (between the British Musicians’ Union and the American Federation of Musicians) broke the 20 year dead lock between the two organisations. While in

Ted Heaths band in 1945

Ted Heath playing with his band in 1956

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The story commences on the morning of Sunday 3rd September 1939 with the Browning Family on holiday listening to Chamberlain’s now famous announcement that the country was at war with Germany. The family members are Mr Claud Browning, Mrs Bobby Browning and their children Clive (aged 16), Douglas (aged 15), Kenneth (aged 13) and Finn (aged 8). This novel is about how their lives were affected by their avacuation from London during the phoney war period and then their return to live in Surbiton throughout the rest of the war years. It gives an insight how an ordinary growing family coped with their everyday life. Also due to the interest of Finn together with the fact that Mr Browning worked on the Sunday Gazette, the book also gives quite a full account of the major events during the war years. The older boys joined the armed forces as they became of age and so the story also relates how they coped and where they were sent in the course of their duties.

Throughout the book there is a terrific feeling which has always made me proud to be British and I quote;“It occurred to no one, neither the Brownings, nor anyone else in the country, that eventually it would not be won. Spirits had not

been broken, not by the terrible pounding of its cities, nor by the seemingly endless succession of defeats and setbacks to its Forces overseas.’

The book continues with life in London during those days and concludes on the day that the King, Queen and Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony with the crowds singing ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and more famous words were spoken;‘This is your victory. In all our long history, we have never seen a greater day than this.’

There is a final chapter which gives the reader an insight as to what happened next to each member of the family, a rather interesting touch.

I would recommend this book found on holiday in the Scilly Isles (the author now lives there) especially for anyone like me who was born after the war and so did not actually experience the trials and tribulations of those years. It makes both an enjoyable but also informative read.

Published by Arima publishingISBN 9781845493882Price: £14.95

America Heath played with Nat Cole, The Four Freshman and June Christy.

Heaths first marriage was in 1924 to Audrey Keymer who died in 1932. His second marriage was to Moira Tracey (a ballet dancer who appeared in one of the first television transmissions, and went on to be a prolific songwriter, she received a special award for services to television, the ‘Freedom of the City of London’ in recognition of her services to song writing and a British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors ‘Gold Badge Award’) who died on 24 January 2000 in Weybridge, Surrey, England.

Heath himself died in 1969 at the age of 67. The band re-

formed after a UK TV tribute show in the early 70s with the approval of the Heath family, and went on performing concerts with great success. Initially some early 1970s recordings were recorded under the musical direction of Roland Shaw, Ralph Dollimore and Stan Reynolds, but thereafter all recordings were supervised by trombonist Don Lusher, who led the band for 25 years until 2000, with mostly original Heath alumni. The final concert in December 2000, was a sell out at London’s Festival Hall, attended by most Heath personnel past and present and the Heath family. The band at that performance was made up almost entirely of players who had played under Ted Heath’s leadership. Numerous radio and television tributes have been broadcast over the years.

Finns War by James Brown - A review by Barbara Wilcox

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30th November 2012The 1940’s Society - SevenoaksNeil Barber - Parachute Doctor.Captain David Tibbs RAMC MC as a member of 225 (Parachute) Field Ambulance and the 13th Parachute Battalion served with the 5th Parachute Brigade of the famous 6th Airborne Division. His fascinating story includes jumping into Normandy on D-Day and fighting alongside the Japanese on the island of Java. His fascinating story and experiences are available in a new book “Parachute Doctor” from Neil Barber. This evening Neil Barber will be giving an illustrated talk about the extraordinary experiences of David Tibbs both during and after D-Day. Neil has written a number of detailed books on the events of D-Day and is an expert on the role of the Parachute Battalion’s activities. We are delighted to have him come and talk to us. 8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks, Kent.Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Admission £3

30th November 20121940s DanceColchester Town HallEntertainment includes ‘Kitty Collins the forces sweetheart’ and the Skyliners delivering Big Band favourites. Refreshments throughout the evening will even be provided by the girls of the NAAFI. Doors to the dance will open at 7pm supper being served from 8pm and dancing into the evening. Carriages will depart at midnight. A fully licensed bar will be available. Advance Tickets only, Prices and further details on 01206 562 478

1st December 20121940s/Electro Swing event.Milestones Museum - Basingstoke, Hampshire - RG22 6PG. Time 1930 - 0100 Swing back in time to the streets of 1940’s wartime Britain in this unique venue.Experience the victory atmosphere, 1940’s entertainment, risqué themed Burlesque from ‘the Barbie of Burlesque’ - Frankii Wilde and Southampton’s own delightful Miss Scarlet Delights throughout the evening with the ‘swingtastic’ live sounds of The Three Belles and the Bevin Boys.Buy tickets for £15 in advance or get more details from the website at: www.theblackoutparty.co.uk

8th December 2012HEDNA’S THE VINTAGE NIGHTCLUBThe Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes “Wot Ho” if you enjoy the music of the 1930’s & 40’s then you’ll love an evening at Hedna’s because for one night Hedna’s becomes your passport to an age of style, fashion, social dancing and vintage dance tunes. Played in the setting they were meant to be heard. We have an amazing festive Hedna’s planned for the 8th December 2012 with vintage vocalist Luna Nightingale, and DJ’s Empire Radio. Hedna’s is a chance to wear your best classic clothing and immerse yourself in an evening of pure, exclusive vintage entertainment. We even have a resident vintage hair & makeup stylist on hand. Tickets are available from ‘The Stables’ box office, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU. Box Office 01908 280800 website http://www.hednas.co.uk/ Tickets: £12.50 until 17th November, £14.50 until 7th December, £16.00 on the door (if available)

15th December 2012Baths Blitz PartyVillage of Doynton, BS30 5SY...Built in 1937 it’s a true Blitz venueIt’s time to muster your Blitz spirit.. for a rip-roaring night of entertainment like no other..guaranteed laughter, entertainment & a few surprises..!Entertainment from The Hot Potato Syncopators - a comedy swing whoopee band. Strict dress code. Tickets only £20 per person, or £27 per person including return transport from Bath city centre. Further details from: www.jamandjuice.co.uk

8th December 2012Entertainment and swing bandEM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge, Kent Professional actress and singer Colette RedgraveWill be performing an evening of Vintage Entertainment alongside vintage swing band, Sugar Foot Stomp. EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge. 7.30pm. Ticket Prices: £13 & £11 Conc.Come Dressed to Impress - prize for Best Dressed. Organisers are also looking for Vintage cars and bikes and other possible displays to fill the evening. If you can help? Details from: coletteredgrave@yahoo.co.uk

Events DiaryNot a complete listing of everything that’s going on but a few events that may be of interest to members.

More are listed on the website at www.1940.co.uk

26th & 27th December 2012‘Christmas Leave’, Mid-Hants Railway, Alresford, Hampshire.

Tired of the Christmas festivities? Get your final fix of steam and re-enacting before the New Year in this annual event on one of Britain’s foremost preserved lines.Tickets are available to purchase on the day of your visit or in advance.Allied and civilian re-enactors welcome, advance booking form from the website.Further details at: www.watercressline.co.uk

5th January 2013Stage Door Canteen authentic 1940s nightPratts Bottom, KentAuthentic 1930s hall and Resident DJ ‘Swing Shift’ Chris Reynolds recreating that fantastic atmosphere of a wartime night out for all guests to enjoy!Dress code is strictly 1940s Allied miltary uniform or authentic 1940s fashion for the ladies, with matching hairstyle of course (Stage Door Canteen staff reserves the right to refuse entry on the night if not appropriately dressed).Tickets are £8 each and can only be booked in advance via 07944 105146 or tickets@stagedoorcanteen.co.uk.Visit www.stagedoorcanteen.co.uk to find out more.

5th January 2013HOLLYWOOD BOOGIE - HEAVYWEIGHT DJ CLASH With Terry Elliott and Pat da KattRoyston Club, 85 Royston Road, , Penge, SE20 7QWMusic Policy is varied but includes Swing, R&B, Balbao, Jump Jive, Boogie Woogie, R&R, with touches of Motown & Ska thrown in for good measure. ONLY £8 on the doorCall - 07956 569279 or 07974 519920 or Visit www.hollywoodboogie.com to find out more.

25th January 2013The 1940’s Society - SevenoaksFilm Evening with Carol Harris.Author and speaker Carol Harris will be introducing the wartime film “Tawny Pippet” and will be talking a little about its creation and the propaganda elements that it contains. Refreshments may even include pop corn and ice creams for a true cinema experience!8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks, Kent. Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Admission £3

9th February 2013Valentine DanceNewton Regis Village Hall, just outside Tamworth B79 0NLStarring DJ Woody & Miss Lola Lamour. Bar available - plenty of parking. £10 a ticket. Contact blitzandhitz@hotmail.co.uk for tickets and details

9th March 2013Scarborough 1940s home front charity danceThe Grand Hotel St Nicholas Cliff Scarborough YO11 2ET. 7.30pm till MidnightJourney back to the 1940s in a period ballroom with fabulous sprung wooden dance floor.Dance to the ever popular 1940s entertainers Paul and Natasha Harper.Limited tickets £10 to include pie and pea supper. All profits to The Royal British Legion.1940s dress appreciated but not essential .(no Axis uniforms).(Accommodation available at the hotel at reduced rate of £30 per person B&B - contact Tracy at hotel). Contact Linda on 01723 366123 or 07739 231053. 22nd March 2013The 1940’s Society - SevenoaksSpeaker to be confirmed.8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks, Kent.Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Admission £3

24th May 2013The 1940’s Society - SevenoaksSpeaker to be confirmed.8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks, Kent.Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Admission £3

26th July 2013The 1940’s Society - SevenoaksSpeaker to be confirmed.8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks, Kent.

27th September 2013The 1940’s Society - SevenoaksSpeaker to be confirmed.8pm at Otford Memorial Hall near Sevenoaks, Kent.Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 Admission £3

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The 1940’s SocietyMembership Application 2013

I hope you have found this issue both interesting and informative and would like to receive it on a regular basis.

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Issue 76