Thoughts turning to those who served our country
Columnist’s father came close to danger several times during trips to London
Ahead of Remembrance Day, in the year of the 73rd anniversary of the end of the Second World War, our thoughts turn to all those who served their country during war. My father, Harry Culley, helped to bring music to Allied troops and civilians as part of the Royal Canadian Air Force dance and concert bands. He was one of many non-combatants who contributed to the war effort, as musicians, drivers, administrative workers and more. They made up approximately 60 percent of the military personnel, exceeding the combat personnel at 40 per cent.
After my father’s death, I discovered over 600 letters that my parents wrote to each other during that time. My book, Love in the Air: Second World War Letters, includes selections from those letters, historical background, scenes inspired by the letters, and photos.
Even though he wasn’t on the front lines, Harry came close to danger during several trips to London where the band made recordings with the BBC and played in live concerts. In the letter below, he describes the V1 rockets, or buzz bombs, that were aimed at the city after D-Day.
London, June 30, 1944
Dearest Helen,
Well Darling, I promised to tell you about our London trip. We got through the five records without too many bumps on our part.
There was an almost continuous alert on during the process but we were in a pretty safe spot under the BBC House. The records are for the forces overseas. I went to one Prom concert and Myra Hess played a concerto but I really didn’t enjoy it as there were several distractions during the program. [i.e. bombs exploding.]
I was very uneasy last night when a buzz bomb passed very low overhead. I might say I was scared, but so was everyone. Smitty practically lived in the shelter and began to look quite green this morning. Lucky we didn’t have to stay any longer than three days in London. It’s very hard on the nerves with sirens going on at all hours of the day and night. So much for that!
I can tell you what one [a buzz bomb] sounds like. Just imagine the biggest truck you’ve ever seen going up a street like Winnett [the street where Helen lived in Toronto]. There’d be quite a vibration in the houses. Only two came over London yesterday, so they must be destroying more bases every day [i .e. the Allies must be destroying the German bases in Europe where the bombs originated.]
We had to play a broadcast, quiet so far. We’re going to rehearse a bit tomorrow and I hope it’s not raining because there’s no roof on the only place we can get. It was blown off recently by a near hit!
All my love, Harry
Love in the Air: Second World War Letters is available in the Peterborough Public Library, at www.friesenpress.com, and on Amazon. For more information, please visit joanneculley.com.
Autumn Treasures
The Autumn Treasures Fine Artisan Sale takes place on Friday, November 9 from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, November 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Canadian Canoe Museum, 910 Monaghan Rd. Running for 30 years, the show features some of the best artisans in Ontario. Admission is $5. More information is available on their Facebook page at Autumn Treasures Fine Artisan Show where there is a chance to enter a contest to win one of three $50 "Treasures" certificates that can be used at the sale.