Written by Simone Lloyd Davies
"During the war, my name was Joan Grew. I joined the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) when I was 19 and became a Lance Corporal. Since then, I changed my name for professional reasons as I had performed professionally as a dancer since the age of 16 .
We were training in Edinburgh at a place called Glencorse, then we travelled down to Aldershot and I was in a place called Parson's Barracks. I was a member of the ATS band and the only tune we ever played was some Scottish tune which was the only tune we knew!
I became a PT instructor but during this time I was also chosen to join George Black's 'Stars in Battledress'. The members of Stars in Battledress were all military personnel. We travelled round giving shows to the troops.
I performed in the show 'Stage Door Canteen' in London and then toured barracks in the South East and Southern Command. This was during the time of the Doodle Bombs so it was a bit of a frightener.
I then went to Germany. I was appalled at the devastation in Germany. The company I was with took coffee, chocolate and other goodies which were bartered for commodities like Leica cameras.
I was part of an adagio dancing act and my partner was Sgt. Ronnie Cory (stage name Michael Ronni, who had been a member of the Diaghilev Ballet). One of our numbers was danced to the tune of 'That Old Black Magic'.
I remember saving food from the canteen to give to children who appeared to be pretty near starving. Children lined the railway lines and we threw out chocolate bars and sweets to them."
Written by Simone Lloyd Davies
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Cassie Lawson from Leeds
My grandad Frank (Frankie) Kennedy played the accordian in Stars In Battledress
Tue Aug 18 08:51:49 2009
Stephen Nixon from Shildon, Co.Durham
Hi, My late father James William (Bill) Nixon was involved with Stars in Battledress and The Rhine Army Theatre Company.He was also involved with ENSA. Have loved reading some of the stories on here.Would love to hear from anyone who knew him.
Sun Jun 7 20:21:00 2009
Shirley Merrian . from , South Essex
My dad was in George Blacks "Stars in battle dress".My dads stage name was *Al Gee*. He stared with Charlie Chester
Mon Sep 1 11:53:43 2008
Denise Eaton, Orlando, Fla.
My Mom Joyce Hardman was in s.i.b. & toured India in 1946 etc...Would love to find any recordings or films. She spoke very highly of Stan Stennett.
Mon Nov 26 08:19:38 2007
David Scott
My mother was in ENSA during the war working with George Formby in the Orkney and Shetland Isdlands.Her name was Winefred Scott singing the songs you love to hear.Does any-one out there remember her...
Wed Nov 7 09:17:53 2007
Joe O Reilly
Joe played trumpet and entertained troops in North Africa, 8th Army. any more information re this ?
Mon Aug 6 11:26:02 2007
Audrey Elizabeth McClernon
Hi Simone.
My father (Reginald Farrow) was in Stars in Battledress and, like you, followed just behind the front line troops giving concerts. He was Terry Thomas' pianist - Terry referred to him as the "Farrow Fingers". The used to career about between "gigs" in an Army lorry, frequently getting lost, and the only protection they had was one rifle, which none of them were really equipped to handle (being as they were all showbiz types). Prior to Stars in Battledress, Reg was in ENSA and recorded some 78s with Stephane Grappelli and various other ENSA members (which I unfortunately do not now have). If anyone reads this who might have them, I'd love to hear.
Mon Nov 20 10:07:43 2006
Bob Brown from Birmingham
A friend of mine's father who's name was Mulholland played guitar with sib along with a tpt player who had the nick name 'tiny keys', does this ring a bell?
Mon Sep 4 10:47:48 2006
Nola Graveney-Edwards - Llanidloes
Hello Simone,
My late parents were members of "Stars in Battledress" touring in the Far East.
Eleanor(Ginger)Fuller and Reg Graveney (Crooner) along with Johnny Shakell, Billy Dainty Mildred ?, I wondered whether you knew them, Regards, Nola
Mon May 22 15:29:46 2006
Mannie and Jennie from Hove
Futher to my email dated March 29th. I should have mentioned that your own Stan Stennett was in the show too.
Tue May 16 15:45:25 2006
Mannie Silverton
My wife and I were both in a s.i.b show which toured India in 1946 called "On board to-night". If you are in touch with anyone from this time we would love to hear from them.
Wed Mar 29 16:03:33 2006
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