The A to Z of Wartime Song

🎵 Hosted by @tomcarradine & @lili_redman ✨ Exploring iconic songs from the frontlines to the home front 📜 History, harmony & heart from WWI to WWII

Keep the Home Fires Burning - Poetry and Pop Music 05/31/2025

Keep the Home Fires Burning - Poetry and Pop Music In this episode of the A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine discuss Ivor Novello’s 1914 hit “Keep the Home Fires Burning”. They explore Novello’s life and WW1 service, his collaboration with lyricist Lena Guilbert Ford and her tragic death in a Zepplin raid on London in 1918. Alongside this their conversation covers the sad tale of WW1 poet and composer Ivor Gurney and Novello’s connection to another WW1 poet, Seigfied Sassoon. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Mr Fogg’s Tavern Sing-a-long Ivor Novello - Blue Plaque Ivor Novello - Biography / Locations Ivor Gurney - Biography Heytesbury House in Wiltshire (home to Sassoon and Gatty) Pics of Ivor’s West End Flat Till the Boys Come Home - Roger Foss Heytesbury House in Wiltshire (Sassoon’s Home) CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:50 Opening Chat 01:50 K = Keep the Home Fires Burning 02:57 The Life of Ivor Novello 10:07 The Tragic Story of Ivor Gurney 14:09 Novello in London 17:06 Lena Guilbert Ford's Contribution 19:20 The Premiere of 'Keep the Homefires Burning' 20:43 The Song's Impact and Reception 21:32 Siegfried Sassoon and Ivor Novello's Connection 22:06 Siegried Sassoon 25:49 Ivor Novello's Post-War Success 26:57 Novello's Military Service in WW1 29:48 Discussing the Sheet Music 31:31 Discussing the Lyrics 34:05 Discussing the Music 36:26 Discussing Recordings - Frederick Wheeler 37:37 Stanley Kirkby 40:19 John McCormack 42:11 Olive Gilbert 42:53 Our Favourite Recordings 44:20 If You Liked That You'll Like This ... 46:15 Mentioned in Dispatches 49:59 A Teaser for Next Week 50:24 Outro SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/36749815

Jolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier - Drag Kings and Things 05/24/2025

Jolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier - Drag Kings and Things In this episode of the A to Z of Wartime Song, hosts Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on Vesta Tilley’s 1907 hit “Jolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier”. Along the way they discuss the life of Vesta Tilley, the use of Music Hall in recruitment for Kitchener’s Army in WWI and highlight a number of the trailblazing male impersonators and their contributions to the Music Hall. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Melton Mowbray 1940s Festival Vesta Tilley Vesta’s Dandy Style Algy or the Piccadilly Johnny with the Little Glass Eye Mark Sheridan Memorial Mark Sheridan Biography The Pals Battalions of WWI The Jingo Song Ella Shields sings Adeline Burlington Bertie from Bow - Anita Harris (1990) Ella Shields / Nellie Wallace Memorial Plaque Hetty King Documentary - Part 1 Hetty King Documentary - Part 2 Hetty King Documentary - Part 3 Maggie Smith sings “I’ll Make a Man of You” CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:51 Opening Chat 02:04 J = Jolly Good Luck to the Girl Who Loves a Soldier 03:12 Vesta Tilley: A Biography 10:20 Discussing the Song 12:34 Mark Sheridan 18:57 Fred W. Leigh and Kenneth Lyle 21:25 Music Hall and Recruitment in WWI 24:32 The Impact of Pals Battalions on Communities 27:09 The Sheet Music 28:19 How Did We Discover the Song 30:07 The Jingoistic Nature of War Songs 32:57 The Evolution of Performance Styles 34:39 If You Liked That You'll Like This 34:57 Ella Shields 39:56 Hetty King 46:08 Mentioned In Dispatches 47:06 A Clue for Next Week SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/36662490

I'll Be Seeing You - Sentimentality and Separation 05/17/2025

I'll Be Seeing You - Sentimentality and Separation In this episode, hosts Tom Carradine and Lili Redman delve into the emotional and historical significance of the wartime song 'I'll Be Seeing You.' They explore its origins, the songwriters behind it and its impact during World War II. Their conversation highlights various interpretations and recordings of the song, emphasizing its universal themes of love, loss and hope. Through their musical analysis and personal anecdotes, the hosts bring to life the enduring legacy of this classic ballad. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome I’ll Be Seeing You - Film (1944) Secret Love - Doris Day Mahler’s Third Symphony Last Movement (Listen at 1:04) CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:50 Opening Catch Up 02:03 I = I'll Be Seeing You 07:22 Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal 13:21 The Sheet Music 14:46 Discovering the Song 17:04 Discussing the Lyrics 19:04 Universal Themes in Love Songs 23:35 Discussing the Music 29:15 Recordings - Dick Todd / Bing Crosby 34:36 Tommy Dorsey (with Frank Sinatra) 36:03 Billie Holiday 39:35 Joe Loss (with Harry Kaye) 41:17 Anne Shelton and Stanley Black 43:08 Ambrose 43:44 Our Favourites? 46:11 Other Listening Recommendations 49:19 Mentioned in Dispatches 50:44 A Clue for Next Week SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/36548990

The Handsome Territorial - Novelty Dance Crazes of the 1940s 05/10/2025

The Handsome Territorial - Novelty Dance Crazes of the 1940s In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the significance of wartime songs, focusing on “The Handsome Territorial”. They delve into the life of the songwriters Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr, the evolution of the Hokey Cockey and the controversies surrounding it’s origins. They look at the other popular dance crazes of the 1940s, analyze the music and lyrics of “The Handsome Territorial” and reflect on why it has faded from public memory. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES The Loyal Enemy - Short Film Jimmy Kennedy Biography Nat Gonella Memorial Tom’s Scone Video CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro and Catch Up 04:36 H = The Handsome Territorial 07:38 The Life of Jimmy Kennedy 09:15 London's Tin Pan Alley 11:11 Lawrence Wright - Music Publisher 14:38 "The Teddy Bear's Picnic" and others 17:27 The Cokey Cokey 26:30 Jimmy Kennedy - Continued 27:24 Michael Carr 28:56 Discussing the Sheet Music Cover 30:01 C. L. Heimann and Novelty Dance Crazes 35:28 Music and Lyric Analysis 41:44 Discussing Recordings 48:57 If You Liked That You'll Like This ... 55:18 Mentioned in Dispatches59:13 Teaser for Next Week 59:50 Outro SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/36486020

Goodnight Children, Everywhere - Evacuation's Emotional Toll 05/03/2025

Goodnight Children, Everywhere - Evacuation's Emotional Toll In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the significance of wartime songs, focusing on 'Good Night Children, Everywhere' and the legacy of Vera Lynn. They discuss her early career, her contribution to entertaining the troops in WW2 and her rise to become the “forces sweetheart”. Along the way their conversion delves into the experiences of child evacuees, an analysis of the song and the many recordings which are available and even the first polyphonic synthesiser, which featured on two of Lynn’s iconic recordings. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES London Easter Parade 2025 Pics London Easter Parade 2026 Facebook Event Sousaphone Howard Baker - “the gig king” Lady Sarah Spencer Churchill’s Coming Out Party New Hippodrome Coventry Hammond Novachord “We’ll Meet Again” played on a Novachord Brick Lane Music Hall Princess Elizabeth Recording Chick Henderson's Grave Gracie Field’s “Goonight Children, Everywhere” Gert and Daisy (Elsie and Doris Walters) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Wartime Songs 01:11 Intro 02:07 Catch Up 03:52 G = Goodnight Children, Everywhere 06:13 The Life and Career of Vera Lynn 08:01 Howard Baker: The Gig King 13:44 Vera Lynn's Rise to Fame 14:05 Bert Ambrose and his Orchestra 18:17 The RAF Squadronaires 20:20 Vera Lynn's Contributions During WW2 22:06 Vera's Recording Career 23:01 The Hammond Novachord 24:26 The Legacy of "We'll Meet Again" and "White Cliffs of Dover" 27:02 Vera on the Wireless 29:07 Evacuation of Children During WWII32:29 The Reality of Cleanliness During War 34:42 Mixed Experiences of Evacuation 36:35 Discussing the Sheet Music 39:21 Musical and Lyric Analysis 42:52 Discussing Recordings - Joe Loss 44:08 Chick Henderson 47:15 Gracie Fields 47:41 Elsie and Doris Waters 49:36 Ambrose 49:58 Vera Lynn 52:01 Which Is Our Favourite Version? 53:02 Other Listening Recommendations 56:35 Mentioned in Dispatches SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/36389305

The Further It Is From Tipperary - The USA in WW1 04/26/2025

The Further It Is From Tipperary - The USA in WW1 In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'The Further It Is From Tipperary, The Closer It Is To Berlin’ from WW1. They discuss the song’s inspiration in ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’, the life of the songwriter Jack Judge and the controversies surrounding song credit. The conversation also touches on the rise of Tin Pan Alley, the prolific career of Billy Murray and the impact of recording technology on the performance style of the time. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Tom’s Scone Recipe Jack Judge: His life in Oldbury Lusitania Passenger List History of Tin Pan Alley Billy Murray Discography Patricia Hammond Records on to Cylinder The Further It Is From Tipperary Sheet Music Tanks in WW1 The Bowery Jack Norworth’s Version of the Song Break The News To Mother (The Shannon Four) 1917 CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 03:59 The Importance of Wartime Songs 08:02 Exploring 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary' 12:02 The Life of Jack Judge and Songwriting 16:07 The Controversy of Song Credits 19:57 The Impact of the Lusitania on American Involvement in WW1 24:13 The Rise of Tin Pan Alley 27:53 Billy Murray: The Voice of a Generation 30:00 Bel Canto vs. Popular Music 32:00 The Evolution of Vocal Styles 34:10 Recording Techniques of the Early 20th Century 34:58 Exploring the Song's Sheet Music 36:58 Discovering the Song's Historical Context 37:59 Analyzing the Lyrics and Their Significance 42:51 Cultural References in the Song 47:06 Comparing with Other Wartime Songs 54:56 Listener Engagement and Future Episodes SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/36275215

Everything Stops For Tea - Rationing and Britain's Favourite Beverage 04/19/2025

Everything Stops For Tea - Rationing and Britain's Favourite Beverage In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'Everything Stops for Tea.' They discuss the cultural significance of tea during wartime, the life of Jack Buchanan and the impact of rationing on society. The conversation also delves into various musical versions and performances, highlighting the importance of these songs in lifting spirits during difficult times. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Tom at Leeds City Varieties International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln “She Shall Have Music” with Jack Hylton (1936) Jack Hylton Website (created by Pete Faint) Jack Hylton Rehearsal Footage (1931) Bandwagon (1940) with Jack Hylton and Arthur Askey “That’s Entertainment” with Jack Buchanan in The Band Wagon (1953) Jack Buchanan Desert Island Discs (1951) Tower of London Allotments during WW2 “Everything Stops for Tea” - Champagne Charlie and the Bubbly Boys Mario “Harp” Lorenzi (1947) Monseigneur Restaurant Simpson’s of Piccadilly (now a Waterstones) Collapsible Bass Drum (restored by Nick Ball) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Catch Up 02:42 E = Everything Stops for Tea 04:17 Jack Hylton 09:47 Discussing the Song's Origins & Jack Buchanan 14:31 "Come Out of the Pantry" 16:27 The Importance of Tea 18:44 Wartime Food Rationing 21:27 Dig for Victory 22:28 Fashion on the Ration 25:07 Everything Stops For Tea: Sheet Music Cover 25:47 How We Discovered the Song 26:06 Lyric Analysis 28:49 The Dance Band Era and Strict Tempos 30:35 Vocal Refrains and Arrangements in 1930s Music 31:23 Other Versions 34:13 Monseigneur Restaurant 36:36 The Legacy of Roy Fox and Al Bowley 39:38 The Evolution of Performance and Live Music Culture 40:26 Do We Like the Song? 41:12 Other Recommended Songs 44:42 The Andrews Sisters 47:19 Get In Touch 48:23 Outro SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/36081345

The Deepest Shelter in Town - Blitz and Bobs 04/12/2025

The Deepest Shelter in Town - Blitz and Bobs In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on the song 'The Deepest Shelter in Town.' They discuss the impact of music during World War II, the life of performer Florence Desmond and the role of entertainers in boosting morale. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes about their experiences on the London cabaret scene, the Blitz and it’s effect on Britain, ARP (air raid precautions) and even the sex workers of London during WW2. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Nellie Wallace “Under the Bed” (1929) Sally in Our Alley (1931) Florence Desmond’s Hollywood Party (1933) Holborn Empire Vivienne Hole Dunsborough House Anderson Shelters Morrison Shelters CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Opening Chat and Catch Up 03:30 Exploring Florence Desmond's Career 06:36 The Impact of World War I on Music Hall 07:30 The Influence of Noel Coward 08:30 Florence Desmond on Film 11:32 Impersonations and Their Popularity 12:12 The Dark Side of Fame: Lead Poisoning and Its Consequences 13:13 Café de Paris: A Legacy of Performance 14:48 The Impact of War on Theatre: The Story of Applesauce 15:52 The Tragic Fate of the Hoblorn Empire 16:43 Royal Appearances: Theatre and the Royals 17:13 The Role of Entertainment During War: ENSA and Its Performers 18:45 A Tragic Loss: The Story of Vivian Fair 19:53 Life After War: Florence's Continued Stardom 20:41 Love and Loss: Florence's Marriages 21:06 Dunsborough: A Home of Hospitality and Celebrities 22:25 The Life of Charles Hewesden: A Daring Aviator 22:40 The Song Behind the Story: Leslie Julian Jones 23:35 The Blitz: A Historical Context 26:45 Anderson Shelters: The Homefront's Response to Bombing 29:22 The British Spirit: Defiance in the Face of Adversity 29:39 The Morrison Shelter: A Grim Necessity 30:46 Public Shelters: A Social Experiment 32:10 Underground Shelters: A Unique Experience 33:28 Looking at the Song: “The Deepest Shelter in Town” 34:24 Sex Work in Wartime London 36:30 “Lost” Songs from the 1940s 38:10 Lyric Analysis 40:49 The Craft of Comedy in Wartime Songs 43:30 Other Listening Recommendations 47:52 “Mentioned in Dispatches” 49:54 Outro SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/36071165

Adolf - Biting Off More Than He Can Chew? 04/05/2025

Adolf - Biting Off More Than He Can Chew? In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on their cultural significance during World War I and II. They discuss the podcast's concept, the song 'Adolf', and the lives of notable figures like Annette Mills and Arthur Askey. The conversation delves into the role of variety shows, the impact of propaganda songs, and the legacy of entertainers like Billy Cotton. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next episode, promising more insights into wartime music. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES The Boomps-a-Daisy Dance “Lambeth Walk - Nazi Style” by Charles A. Ridley (1941) Arthur Askey finds a sleeping Hitler in the shelter - “I Thank You” (1940) Arthur Askey in “Bandwagon” (1940) For images mentioned in the episode visit our Instagram account: CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:51 The Goal of the Podcast 05:22 Exploring the Song 'Adolf' 07:39 The Life of Annette Mills 09:53 The Evolution of Variety Shows 12:22 Arthur Askey and His Impact 14:56 The Art of Comedy in Music 15:58 World War II Films and Their Impact 17:36 Propaganda Songs and Their Significance 18:48 Lyrics and Cultural Commentary 22:45 The Role of Music in War 26:52 Humor as a Psychological Weapon 30:04 Legacy of Propaganda Songs 33:04 The Legacy of Billy Cotton 34:48 Billy Cotton's Diverse Career 37:29 The Impact of Television on Variety Shows 38:06 Billy Cotton's Family Connections 39:35 Recap and Favorite Songs SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/35978400

Bless 'Em All - The Long and the Short of It 04/05/2025

Bless 'Em All - The Long and the Short of It In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on “Bless ‘Em All” and its significance during World War II. They discuss the WWI origins of the song, its evolution through various artists and the role of ENSA in providing entertainment to troops. The conversation highlights George Formby's impact on wartime music and the various versions of 'Bless Them All' that have emerged over the years, showcasing the song's enduring legacy and its connection to British culture. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES George Formby Shelter Concert (1940) George Formby Senior - Standing at the Corner of the Street (1910) The “Beryldene” Auction Some of George’s banjoleles are still owned and played by: For images mentioned in the episode visit our Instagram account: CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:52 The Origins and Evolution of 'Bless Them All' 06:28 Book Recommendations 07:43 The Role of ENSA in Wartime Entertainment 10:55 Uniforms and Performances in War Zones 13:53 George Formby: A Star in Wartime 22:59 George Formby's Auction 27:15 Musical Elements of Bless ‘Em All 29:18 The Lyrics and Their Impact 30:34 Cultural Significance of 'Blighty' 34:54 Morale and Humor in Wartime Music 35:03 Other Recordings 39:10 Ending SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/35978455

Comin' In on a Wing and a Prayer - Bombs Away and Barely Making It Back 04/05/2025

Comin' In on a Wing and a Prayer - Bombs Away and Barely Making It Back In this episode, Lili Redman and Tom Carradine explore the rich history of wartime songs, focusing on 'Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer.' They pay tribute to John Paddy Hemingway, discuss the impact of the musician strike during WWII, and delve into the cultural significance of these songs. The conversation highlights personal stories, the diversity within the RAF, and the legacy of wartime music, showcasing how these melodies provided hope and resilience during challenging times. To listen to all the songs mentioned in the episode please visit their Spotify playlist here: REFERENCES Paddy John Hemmingway Obituary Winston Tastes Good Like a Cigarette Should (Aeroplane Advert) The damaged port-side fuselage of Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark V, P5005 'DY-N', of No. 102 Squadron RAF, after returning from a bombing raid to the Ruhr on the night of 12/13 November 1940. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Wartime Songs 01:46 Tribute to John Paddy Hemingway 02:43 Exploring 'Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer' 04:57 The Song Spinners and Their Impact 07:34 The Musician Strike of 1942-1944 10:16 Censorship and Reception of Wartime Songs 12:55 The Context of 1943 in WWII 15:33 Heroic Stories of RAF Bombers 18:20 The Inspiration Behind the Song 21:10 The Legacy of 'Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer' 23:14 Wartime Music and Cultural Reflections 25:35 Exploring the Song's Origins 26:18 The Impact of Bomber Command 28:11 Diversity in the RAF 29:12 Musical Interpretations of the Song 31:55 Versions of 'Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer' 38:45 Comparing Iconic Performances 40:44 Aviation Songs and Their Legacy SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS You can follow the podcast on social media: Find more information about Lili Redman here: Or Tom Carradine here: CONTACT THE PODCAST If there's a wartime song that you think they should discuss, or if you have a personal or family story connected to one, drop them a line at [email protected] to be "Mentioned in Dispatches". LISTENING LINKS Listen on Spotify: Listen on Apple Podcasts: If you’ve enjoyed this episode Lili and Tom would be grateful if you’d leave a review and make sure you’ve subscribed and turned on notifications so you’ll never miss an episode. /episode/index/show/362e9ce1-f94b-4d54-9020-ba59bc7246f0/id/35978510

Welcome to the A to Z of Wartime Song 03/31/2025

The A to Z of Wartime Song

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