WWII: The Soviet Union Joins the Allies | Reporting the uneasy alliance made with Stalin's Russia
In Honour of Russia | Mary Lane
A former British resident of Moscow describes life there during the war.
CHANNEL | Home Service
FIRST BROADCAST | 08 November 1943
DURATION | 4 minutes 27 seconds
FIRSTBROADCAST
1943
Synopsis
This is one of two surviving fragments from the BBC's special night of programming, 'In Honour of Russia' which was also broadcast on the Forces Programme. Mary Lane, who had lived in the USSR for more than half her life, describes her experiences of war there. Mary describes the Russians' hatred for the Germans and the serious attitudes held by the 'tough' and 'ruthless' Russians in solidarity with the men at war, in contrast to the more light-hearted British. She also describes the commitment and enthusiasm with which women, children and old people supported the war effort. Sharing the experiences of herself and one of her friends, she gives a personal account of life in Moscow at the outbreak of war.
Read the first of the documents telling the story of how the BBC put together 'In Honour of Russia'.
Did you know?
In July 1941, after the German invasion of Russia, instructions came to evacuate 1.5 million women and children from Moscow. However, many orders for evacuation came too late and the infrastructure was not in place to deal with such a mass movement in population, so many people returned to or remained in Moscow.
Listen to the other surviving extract from 'In Honour of Russia'.
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Documents
Directive Instructing Programme Makers to Take Care with Russia
BBC bosses advise programme makers to tread carefully when referring to Russia.
A Report from Poland for a Meeting of the BBC Polish Broadcasting Service.
The importance of wartime news and the dangers of listening to it in Poland.
Memos Regarding Jokes about Russia
As Germany invades Russia, the BBC ponders the appropriateness of humour.
Directive Updating Programme Makers on the Situation with Russia.
Programme makers are warned of continuing sensitivities with Russia.
'Britain's Alliance with the Anti-Christ'.
A German propaganda broadcast meant to appeal to christians in Britain.
Intelligence Report on Russian Propaganda Broadcasts
Examples of how Russia tailored its propaganda to national identities.
Memo Showing Programming Decisions about Russia
Scrutiny of the BBC intensifies.
Memo Calling for Caution in Broadcasts to Poland
Evidence of Soviet atrocities in Lwow [Lviv] reaches the BBC.
Intelligence Report on German Propaganda
'Stalin is a primitive Caucasian bandit.'
Memo On Broadcasting Programmes About the USSR
The Head of Talks details the problems with broadcasting features on the USSR.
Policy Directive on News Values
How to balance news reporting with morale building.
BBC Directive Permitting the Broadcast of USSR's National Anthem.
'The Internationale' can now be played, if caution is taken.
Correspondence on Concerns about Promoting Communism
Should the BBC try to temper public enthusiasm for Russia?
Correspondence on Concerns about Promoting Communism
Should the BBC try to temper public enthusiasm for Russia?
How Balanced Can the BBC Be about Russia?
'Let the false legend prevail', the government advises.
A Report on BBC Broadcasts to Poland
'As regards the recent crisis in Russo-Polish relations, we have been most circumspect.'
In Honour of Russia: Plans for the night of programming
The theme for the special programme is described.
In Honour of Russia: The Foreign Office queries the plans
Plans for a night of programmes dedicated to Russia cause concern at the Foreign Office.
In Honour of Russia: Press Release
Press release describing the night's schedule.
In Honour of Russia: Script for one of the night's features
Script set in an aircraft factory which supplies Russia.
An Upset Polish Representative Writes to the BBC
The BBC inadvertently causes a diplomatic row with unvetted broadcasts from Russia.
A BBC Directive on What to Include in That Day's Broadcasts to Europe
Churchill's statement about his conference with Stalin must dominate the news.
European News Directive - 24 January 1945
The latest news on the war and how much can be shared with audiences.
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