One sad happening this month was the news that Sir Harry Secombe had gone to 'a better place'. It has left a great many of us feeling a sense of personal loss. For me, he had that wonderful gift of making you feel that he was your friend, he exuded a natural charm which in turn brought out the best from the people who were lucky enough to meet him. He was married to the same lady for fifty years which speaks volumes for his personality, it's so unusual in the world of show business for a star to knock up such a score. As Neddie Seagoon in the Goon Show, he, with Spike Milligan, Michael Bentine and Peter Sellers had us rolling about in front of our radios.Trying to imagine the antics that they were performing in front of the studio microphones. There was so much noise going on as these loveable idiots careered about here and there. Doing most unlikely things in seemingly unbelievable places,. Listeners had to commit themselves fully to the programme or they would probably miss an essential part and regret it. The series lasted for about nine years and the recordings still find a ready market. I recently came across one I had made using an old style reel to reel recorder some forty years ago, and it still sounds as good today. When the Goon Show series ended Harry was at last able to concentrate on his singing. One wondered, why, having such a lovely voice he never became an Opera singer? He said "it was because I feared I would explode into one of my guffaws during an aria or something." Although an Army artillery man it is noticed that he was posted in November 1944 to a RAF training depot at Eboli. The question arises, was that depot by any chance a RAF Regiment Unit? It would be nice to know that he had some connection with the 'mob', even if only as an entertainer.
There is some talk that consideration is to be given in the U.K. to extending the number of public holidays so as to catch up with the rest of Europe. V.E.Day which is May 8th should be a worthy candidate for selection. However, to be meaningful it would have to be celebrated on that day alone, not moving it to the nearest Monday, as is the current fashion. Roy Ritchley who parachuted into this village on D Day 5/6 June 1944 will be back again to take part in our V.E. Day ceremony. We will fall in behind the Band for a 500 yard march (saunter more like!) to the wreath laying at the Memorial.
Hopefully there will be also floral tributes placed on the war graves of Capt Kaufman SAAF and Bombardier McGrady RA. Situated on the Memorial site right next to the church they bear witness to the heavy price that some paid to help bring about the victory that we now celebrate. In their memory we should all try a little harder to protect peace, and freedom from oppression, that we still enjoy to this day. This year V.E. Day falls on a Tuesday and here in France it will be celebrated on that day. Most people will stretch the week end to make it into a four day break. The same thing happened for May day which also fell on a Tuesday. Canny lot these froggies! but of course they do come unstuck when the dates for public holidays fall at the week end. Clearly a case of what you lose on the swings...etc.
Incidentally Roy has just returned from a trip to Idaho State, U.S.A. During one evenings entertainment he was greeted from the stage as a British war hero. Walking in the town next day, residents recognised him, some even hailing him from across the street. (Such is fame, Roy.)
Way over on the Cherbourg Peninsula my old school chum and fellow RAF veteran Tony has reported back for duty after spending part of the winter in southern Spain. In company with his wife Ginette they spaced the journey home over three days, covering at least 500 miles on the last day. How about that for endurance? , especially for a couple who muster 160 years between them. Ginette had some misgivings however when as they drove in, Tony remarked, "the lawn needs cutting". She knew he was capable of getting the mower out there and then but was glad that he did not. He will also be parading on V.E. Day with the Anciens Combattants of his neighbourhood and it seems that they too will round off the day with a Banquet and a few 'bevies' in typical French style.
I find the Association of the RAF Regiment Internet site (www.rockape.org.uk) quite impressive. With this new availability 'the action seems much closer'. It will also serve as a means of communicating with today's 'Rocks'who are away on missions in distant lands. Letting you know that the 'mob' of yesteryear are sure you are doing a good job, and above all that you are not forgotten. Who knows? perhaps La Lettre Française might find an extended readership by the same means, after all there seems little point in hiding ones light under a bushel.
* To those of you on sick parade Christine joins me in wishing you a quick return to better days. As a certain poet might say:- "Even though the M.O.may give you M&D --you can always have a cup of tea." Until next month if you so wish, but as always, Keep Smiling, won't you? from Steve
e mail address: ted.stevens@libertysurf.fr