Arthur Askey, Florence Desmond and Jackie Hunter, stars of the new radio show Big Time which had its first performance on 15 February (Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Forces Programme), 1942.
The Forces Programme began broadcasting on 7 January 1940 in an effort to maintain the morale of the British Expeditionary Force troops stationed in France. The content of the new radio station was decided after seeking the opinions of the troops, who wanted a light offering of music and variety, with no religious programmes, drama or talks. The announcers remained more staid however, with the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ insisting they be "obvious gentlemen".
Among the light entertainment was Bill and Bob, which provided French lessons. Religious programmes were generally disliked, but the Sunday evening communal hymn singing proved as popular as any variety programme. News bulletins were an important part of the output too, listened to with great attention in France, especially once the German invasion began.
After the retreat of the BEF from Dunkirk the Forces Programme continued alongside the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Service, which it soon overtook in popularity. Sincerely Yours made Vera Lynn a big star – though some seriously complained her singing would leave the troops enfeebled – and big tunes, like We’ll Meet Again, united civilians and military. In February 1944 The Forces Programme was replaced by the General Forces Programme, which in various forms had been broadcasting to British troops around the world. This saved on duplication and also put home and overseas audiences in step for the impending D-Day.
January anniversaries
-
The Six Wives of Henry VIII
1 January 1970 -
The Brains Trust
1 January 1941 -
The Archers
1 January 1951 -
Z Cars
2 January 1962 -
Trumpton
3 January 1967 -
Open University
3 January 1971 -
Camberwick Green
3 January 1966 -
Final edition of The Listener published
3 January 1991 -
Gardeners' World
5 January 1968 -
A Question of Sport
5 January 1970 -
Forces Programme
7 January 1940 -
Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit
10 January 1990 -
First in-vision television weather forecaster
11 January 1954 -
The League of Gentlemen
11 January 1999 -
Goodness Gracious Me
12 January 1998 -
Listen with Mother
16 January 1950 -
Life On Earth
16 January 1979 -
First episode of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Breakfast Time
17 January 1983 -
Blankety Blank
18 January 1979 -
The Week's Good Cause
24 January 1926 -
Under Milk Wood
25 January 1954 -
Television Dancing Club
27 January 1948 -
Desert Island Discs
29 January 1942 -
Newsnight
30 January 1980 -
The State Funeral of Sir Winston Churchill
30 January 1965 -
Alas Smith and Jones
31 January 1984