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We'll Meet Again - Britain in World War II

Beginning a new series on the history of modern Britain in 50 records, Stuart Maconie looks at life during World War II and speaks to those who lived through the turbulent time.

Beginning an epic new series charting the history of modern Britain in 50 records, Stuart Maconie considers The Force's Sweetheart, Vera Lynn, and her own musical part in the fight against fascism. We hear from those who lived through WW2 - both those serving in the Armed Forces and those on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Front - and discover the significance of music during the war years and how it kept the force's spirits up whilst comforting those waiting anxiously at home. Some families were further strained and stretched because not only were the men fighting overseas, but the children had been evacuated to the safer confines of the countryside. And yet in London and industrial towns like Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow, life went on defiantly despite the attentions of the Luftwaffe.

And whilst the Nazis over-ran Europe and crept ever closer to the UK, the Americans entered the fight against fascism. Not only did the Americans bring their sheer weight of numbers and their superior weaponry, they also brought with them their music and a colourful, glamorous presence. Some resented them, but many were enthralled; particularly children, who were more than happy to receive some of the abundant sweets the Yanks seem to carry with them everywhere.

Throughout the hardship, the poverty, the rationing, the nights in air-shelters, the loss of home and lives, music kept the British people going.

What are your memories of Britain in this remarkable era? What role did music have to play for you and your family at the time? The People's Songs wants to hear from you...

57 minutes

Last on

Tue 5 Jan 2016 23:00

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Music Played

  • Vera Lynn

    (There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover

  • Vera Lynn

    There'll Always Be An England

  • Flanagan and Allen

    Run Rabbit Run

  • Joe Loss

    Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition

  • Vera Lynn

    When The Lights Go On Again

  • The American Band of the AEF, conducted by Major Glenn Miller

    Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar

  • The Andrews Sisters

    Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy

  • Vera Lynn

    We'll Meet Again

  • Vera Lynn

    Goodnight Children Everywhere

  • Elsie Carlisle

    Please Leave My Butter Alone

  • Margaret Whiting

    All Through The Day

  • Military Wives

    Wherever You Are

  • PJ Harvey

    The Words That Maketh Murder

  • Vera Lynn

    It's A Lovely Day Tomorrow

  • Vera Lynn

    We'll Meet Again

Share your comments and stories

Your contributions will play a key part in this episode, take a look at the questions below and :

  • Do you remember the end of WWII?
  • What memories do you have of Vera Lynn?
  • What songs and singers kept your spirits up during WWII?
  • Do you remember the American GIs arriving?

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Broadcasts

  • Wed 2 Jan 2013 22:00
  • Tue 5 Jan 2016 23:00

Song Profiles

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