1942

In David Thomas's The importance of Commando Operations in Modern Warfare 1939-82 he states: "Commando operations in the sense of self-contained acts of war mounted by forces operating within enemy territory are as old as warfare itself. However, before the second world war, the types of missions that later would become known as 'commando operations', were regarded in western military thought as belonging to the separate phenomenon of irregular warfare, that is, to partisan and guerrilla activity. Therefore, the several [British Commando] forces which came into existence between 1940 and 1942 owed their formation not to British army strategy and doctrine, nor to any far-reaching conception of commando warfare, but to the fertile imagination of Prime Minister Churchill and a number of gifted officers." Dur: 32mins File: .mp3

By mid 1940 of the European powers and Britain and her Empire stood alone against Germany. The situation looked dire. Though the miracle of Dunkirk had managed to save thousands of British troops much of their equipment had been lost, Britain needed to replace this and her own industry was not up to providing in numbers the goods required. Though the United States was officially neutral it would supply goods on a "cash and carry" basis, and millions of pounds was flowing out of Britain to the US, in the form of gold, to pay for vital war materiel. But this could not go on, Britain had only so many assets it could liquidate. Dur: 18mins File: .mp3

A classic show with two classic comedians. Prior to the show, Eddie
Cantor makes a phone calls to get Jackk Benny on his show. He has to
wait  until Jack takes care of some important business at the local
drugstore. As the show begins, Eddie chats with announcer, Harry Vonzell
about how stingy Jack is, then keeps giving Jack the brush off. Hattie
McDaniels joins the teasing by commenting on both Rochester and Jack.

Once Jack makes it on stage, he and Eddie take a few jabs at each other,
and Jack plugs his new film, Washigton Slept Here. Jack is such a humble
soul. (wink, wink)

Eddie is polite as Jack talks about his acting prowess, but when Jack
leaves for a moment, Eddie tells Harry what he really thinks. Dinah
Shore arrives to sing, and Jack calls her aside to try to woo her away
from the show. When it doesn't work she sings,m White Christmas. Hey, it
may be out of season, but it gives you something to think about on a hot
Summer day. Next, Jack tries to win Harry Vonzell away from the show,
but it just leads to a segway for a commercial.

Upset over the ordeal, Eddie impersonates Rochester for a prank phone
call to Jack. The Mad Russian doesn't have any qualms about leaving
Eddie. His loyalties are so fickle. After another commercial break, Jack
accompanies Eddie on violin as he sings, Ida Sweet as Apple Cider. Of
course, getting a few pitches for their respective sponsors.

Bonus Track:
Tommy Dorsey. 1942. Marie.
And a little fun with Keith and the Retrobots.