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As a gesture of goodwill in late 1944, the British Royal Air Force Band and
Symphony Orchestra were dispatched to the United States by Marshal Sir Charles
F.A. Portal to perform at various concert halls. In a simultaneous tour,
General Henry H. Arnold sent the official United States Air Force Band to appear
at more than 35 venues throughout England and Scotland. Captain George S.
Howard, Commander and Conductor of the US Air Force Band between 1944 and 1963,
led 85 American GIs in this UK tour, the Band's first outside continental North
America since its beginnings in 1941.
This film extract, produced by the 3rd AAF Combat Camera Unit, follows the
activities of the US Air Force Band members, who were selected from leading
American symphonies and dance bands, during their brief stay in Liverpool.
Emphasising the cordial relations between the two nations, the film
highlights British hospitality and the fact that the tour benefited the RAF
Benevolent Fund. An American voice-over declares of Liverpool Docks: "the
bandsmen thrilled at the sight of the great harbour which has played such a
vital part in supplying the Allied Air Forces and Armies."
Fairly lengthy scenes show the US Air Force Band performing live in front of
an audience at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall, and former Metropolitan opera star
Sergeant Glenn Darwin is seen singing opera. The UK concerts drew enormous
audiences and helped make 1944 an historic year in the development of the
Band.
Anna Lupton
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Extract (2:14)
