That Was The Year... 1944 WAR BLOODY WAR!
POPULAR AT THIS TIME
are the acoustic guitars made by the Levin Company of sweden. founder herman Levin perfected his craft in America and opened a factory in New York but returned home in 1900. In 1943 the company moved to larger premises and employed 70 men. Popular models are the Model 22 orchestra guitar with solid black walnut back and sides; and the royal using the finest handpicked wood with spruce top and walnut back and sides.
MUCH OF OUR HOME-GROWN MUSIC
from the likes of Vera Lynn, flanagan and Allen and Gracie fields was recorded before this troubled time, unlike the wash of American hits that could be heard from the Andrews sisters, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, frank sinatra, tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller.
THE FIRST V1 ROCKETS ARE LAUNCHED
against London and surrounding areas. these unmanned bombs soon become known as Doodlebugs due to their distinctive popping sound; then far bigger V2 rockets begin to descend into the city. the rAf photographic interpretation unit (PIU) at Medmenham in Bucks identifies the launch sites for both weapons and allied bombing raids respond and destroys all it can in operation Crossbow, so the threat is eliminated.
ADMIRA CLASSICAL GUITARS IS FOUNDED
by enrique Keller and manufactured in Northern spain, and destined to become one of the largest manufacturers of spanish guitars in the world. these high-quality instruments use a blend of traditional techniques along with modern innovations. the company builds on its reputation and expertise to become one of the most respected manufacturers of the classical guitar, with production in spain.
THE OFFICE OF STRATEGIC SERVICES (OSS)
is formed (it will go on to become the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); meat rationing ends in the UsA; the plane carrying Glenn Miller is reported missing; Benjamin Green invents sunscreen to protect soldiers from sunburn; and a raid by 32 Lancaster bombers sinks the German battleship tirpitz.
AFTER A YEAR OF PLANNING OPERATION NEPTUNE
is put into action on the 6 June (D-Day) as the allied invasion of Normandy commences. It’s the largest seaborne invasion in history and aims to liberate German-occupied north western europe.
RADIO REPAIRER LEO FENDER TEAMS UP
with former rickenbacker employee Doc Kaufman to start the K& f Company which produced a series of steel guitars and amplifiers. Leo was convinced that the magnets in their pickups need not be so large so he worked on a smaller unit that would be suitable for a guitar. Within two years the fender electric Instrument Company was formed and the introduction of the Broadcaster guitar soon followed.