The last month of Radio England

This is the 2003 original version of the Radio Rose of Texas (2006-)essay published as a personal fanzine of Radio England and Britain Radio. It will not be updated, but was reposted due to popular demand at this new web address May 3rd, 2008 by popular demand.

A newer version may be found here.

Dedicated to Radio England/Britain Radio staff and also fans of same:

“Pickin’ up “Boss” Vibrations·”

It’s “Factman” svennam on “a very Boss month” of Swinging Radio England!

“Get the facts first”, from Svenn Martinsen©, “reporting in the public interest” from “the wide and wonderful”!

“We thought they were coming back!” It was Chris Cary who made this remark about Radio England in Radio Nova’s Dublin 19th Herbert Street headquarters. I had come there with Cary’s invitation for a one-week stay to learn about commercial radio on this most successful station, virtually a Radio England or London , take your pick, of the 80s. But our discussions also touched on the past, especially on Radio Caroline, a subject which was not entirely pure nostalgia this July 1983, with the “Ross Revenge” almost ready to sail from Santander.

The Caroline South djs on the “Mi Amigo” after August 14th, 1967, of which “Spangles Muldoon” was one, had wondered why the Radio England vessel “Laissez Faire” had remained at anchor and eventually was the last ship to go on August 19th. And there was talk that with Radio London’s ship “Galaxy” now gone, Don Pierson[1] wanted to put “Swinging Radio England” back on the air. This was not to be[2].

As an old Radio England fan, I would first like to thank all former presenters and other employées of this most missed station, not forgetting the Texas investors from Abilene/Wichita Falls and elsewhere[3] who took the risk. Despite splendid stations at the same time or later, I do not think there for me has been any to match this operation in Europe. True, Radio London, Radio Caroline North and Cary’s Nova were also great stations. And American radio in the UK and in Europe was not an innovation in the mid-60s, with AFN London and its 50+stations already broadcasting from 1943-1945 and its “cousin” ABSIE, followed by AFN networks and stations in many European countries, the most famous being AFN Germany[4]. But SRE easily became the most influential station for me personally during the heyday of the UK pirates. The “groovy” tests on “355” in May 1966 by Larry Dean and others hit me like a bomb, and since then I was hooked to “Boss Radio” , which is remembered vividly with great fondness.

SRE/Britain stationery. From the collection of Hans Knot.

“How the world are you?” Information sought on a “Radio Rose of Texas.[5]“

For some time I have tried to establish some information from a maybe a less spectacular period of the station than its initial tests, namely the last month or so, from about October 10th, 1966 until the close down. It was an immensely great period of life, radio, and music, and I would therefore be happy if anybody being on the ship, or were listeners in those days reading this essay might help this writer, and all fans of the station establish more facts. I do not have much material about this period, except from own notes and most of the known tapes from those days. Maybe you also are able to correct my eventual mistakes.

My opinion is there should be a larger study on the general history of the project, comprising the material in this essay, which inevitably grew into the first months of the station, and if possible material from the collections of the late Don Pierson’s family[6] and Hans Knot, who also wrote an excellent 1991 study in Dutch: “De Vijf van de Laissez Faire.” It would also be interesting to hear the views and stories of more djs, learn more of Britain Radio, Radio Dolfijn, Radio 355 and Radio 227 as well. And, the later history of the Laissez Faire and Don Pierson. Also an accompanying CD could be interesting for many. These contributions would be essential, even if it won’t be easy to find more details. It was sadly a shortlived station. But I have good reason to believe that an independent writer might take on this task in a most professional way.

I am thankful for inputs to this email address.

svennam@hotmail.com

Behind the essay, you’ll find these “Boss” sources:

My personal log and archive of Radio England and the other Laissez Faire stations

Sweden Calling DX-ers(SCDX, Radio Sweden)

DX-Listeners’ Club, Norway(http://www.dxlc.com )(DX-News)

John Ross-Barnard

Roger Day

John England: “Much More Music” Offshore Echo’s Magazine (OEM) 82 August 1990

John England: “The Real Don Pierson” John England reports from Texas. Offshore Echo’s Magazine (OEM) 57 June, 1985.

Eric Gilder: Mass Media Moments in the United Kingdom, the USSR and the USA. “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu Press, Rumania 2003 ISBN 973-651-596-6, especially: “London, My Hometown”, p.69-109.

Hans Knot’s archive and Soundscapes http://www.icce.rug.nl/~soundscapes/

Ray Robinson

Martyn Webster

http://www.offshoreradio.co.uk

http://www.radiolondon.co.uk

Offshore Echo’s Magazine (OEM) 110 February 1998 The Graham Gill interview

OEM 112 November 1998 Interview Ben Toney

OEM 114 May 1999 Interview Tom Danaher

OEM 117 April 2000 Radio 227 Memories

OEM 117 April 2000 Radio England Britain Radio Rate Card no.1

OEM 117 April 2000 Ron O’Quinn Interview By Steve England

OEM 118 June 2000 Jerry Smithwick Interview By Steve England

OEM 124 December 2001 Roger Day Interview

OEM 126 May 2002 Interview with Larry Dean By Steve England

http://www.offshoreradio.de/fleet/laissez.htm

Paul De Haan`s Marine Broadcasters site:

http://www.marine-broadcasters.com/mv%20Olga%20Patricia.htm

The Radio England story edition II. Radio England/ Britain Radio, cassettes. Alfasound, Sale, Cheshire.[7]

The Laissez Faire story. Short tape made by Dick Palmer for the CRNA.

Chapter 1: “SRE your first 24 hours Most Music Station”- News items on start and close.

By Ray Robinson, Martyn Webster and Svenn Martinsen.

“The Texan Pirates” Daily Mail, Friday, April 7th, 1966.

“The Laissez Faire saga began in a meeting in the Abilene State National Bank in Texas in January 1966. Local business people believed that Britain could be shown a thing or two about running radio stations and that there was money to be made. Their enthusiasm was fired by Mr.Pierson, the bank’s persuasive, backslapping chairman, who two years earlier had helped to launch Radio London, and then been ousted in a power struggle. Mr.Bill Vick, who was in the bakery business, but had also been in oil and banking, was appointed to go to London to get things moving.”

Ian Balk, Daily Telegraph, April, 1966:

New York, Friday.

A new pirate radio ship designed to work in the North Sea off the English coast has been fitted out in an atmosphere of almost wartime secrecy at Biscayne Bay, Miami, I learned today. She left there yesterday for Hamilton, Bermuda and is expected to leave immediately for Lisbon.The vessel, the Olga Patricia, 480 tons, a wartime landing craft later used for cargo-carrying, is owned by a syndicate of British and American businessmen. Their identities have not been revealed but it’s understood some backers are Texans. The Olga Patricia underwent an expensive refitting operation since she was moved to Miami from the Panama Canal Zone three months ago. Workers on the ship said a “considerable” sum was spent to turn the ship into a floating radio station.The ship’s transmitting equipment is said to be able to send two programmes simultaneously. The owners are believed to be planning two separate stations, one for rock n’roll, the other for “good” music.

The Olga Patricia/Laissez Faire: Per Tom Danaher, it seems the radio ship went to the Bahamas, and the Azores before it came to Lisbon[8]. It arrived off the Essex Coast on May 2nd, 1966[9], where it stayed until August 19^th, 1967. Are the group of people at the bow part of the ship the initial “Boss Jocks”?

“Our broadcasting reporter” in “The Times” , April 21st, 1966

reported of a press conference the previous day at London’s CafÉ Royal, which was chaired by Mr. Jack Nixon[10](50), and Mr.William Vick(40)respectively Chairman and Managing Director of Peir-Vick Ltd[11].

One of the subjects was the coming operation’s “dramatised news bulletins.” When Mr.Nixon was challenged on this, a PR aide suggested this meant “more emotional than the BBC.”

More generally, Mr.Nixon stated that “·as you have to know the taste of an apple before you can describe it, so you have to hear the new sound before you know what it means.[12]“

From DX-NEWS 4/66 of DX-Listeners’Club Norway:

“New British-American project to begin late May, 1966 on board vessel Olga Patricia with two programmes: One frequency with pop-music, and one with "light good music”. (SCDX)

From DX-NEWS 5/66:

“Twin station project RADIO BRITAIN and RADIO ENGLAND is due to start very soon, with 55 kw each. Radio Britain will be playing pop music 24 hours a day and Radio England will do the show with light romantic music 21 hours a day. The ship is renamed “Laissez Faire".

From DX-NEWS 6-7/66:

SRE heard for the first time at 2001 hours on May 21st, uses both 845/1320. The station sent a card, showing station/ship, after 30 days. Britain Radio heard on 1320 or 845. Address is 32 Curzon Street, London W.1.

The author got it too! Bill Vick’s acknowledge card sent after my signal report to SRE and Britain.

From DX-NEWS 8/66:

SRE on 1317 kcs now.[13]

From DX-NEWS 11/66:

Nov.2 at 1015 on Britain Radio: "From Monday on Swinging Radio England will become Radio Holland broadcasting in the Dutch language.”

Radio England Nov.13th, at 2300. Last program in English with many of the DJs saying

goodbye. Gordon Bennett, Bill "Boss" Berry, Roger Day and others were there, former dj Johnnie Walker is now on Caroline. and dj Rick Randall went back to WFUN Florida, according to announcement. SRE ceased transmissions at 2330 in English with jingle "Boss Radio". The carrier left the air at 2339. R.England became Radio Dolfijn 227 m on Nov.14th broadcasting in Dutch from 0500-2300 every day. First day non stop instrumental music only... Second day djs were doing the show with pop and light music.

From DX-NEWS 1/67

Address of Radio Dolfijn:Amsteldijk 65, Amsterdam, Amsterdam Zuid, Holland.

Ray Robinson adds:

I have a recording of the 3:15pm news on a Sunday afternoon, in which mention is made of the Queen (of England) laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in London, which would have happened on Rememberance Day, 13th Nov. In any event, the station most definitely did NOT close on 4th Nov.

Martyn Webster takes up the story:

“The disc jockeys in the studio during the last half hour were Mark Stevens, Bill Berry, Roger Day, Errol Bruce, Phil Martin and Bruce Wayne. Gordon Bennett's 'contribution' was on tape. Boom Boom Brannigan apparently left the ship the day before closedown. The show ran from 2300 to 2330 and ended with a strange version of 'Auld Lang Syne' (I haven't been able to trace who's version this was) followed by the 'Boss Radio' jingle. Even though I have now got recordings of the complete last half hour, most of the bits are poor quality and I have so far been unable to get a complete recording of all of it in good quality. I'm sure one must exist as the good parts are actually quite reasonable. The Phil Martin part is one of the good portions and does indeed come from the last half hour. After running through the various DJ's he played a Harry Secombe record after which Roger Day said his thankyou's and played 'Monday Monday' by the Mama's and Papa's· I am convinced that the date of closedown was 13th November 1966. The date given by several respected books seems to conflict with this but I have made my own checks. Gerry Bishop in 'Offshore Radio' says it was 4th. Nov. “The Offshore Radio Files”, and seemingly Hans Knot in “De Vijf van de Laissez Faire” does the same. Robert Chapman in 'Selling The Sixties' says 11th. Nov. Both of these days were a Friday. But Paul Harris in “When pirates ruled the waves” indicates the 13th.

I have listened to my tape of Errol Bruce on Friday, November 11th, and he says that 'The Boss Jocks will present a special programme this Sunday night at 11p.m.'. Phil Martin reads the news on the coming Sunday at 3.15 during which he mentions an aircrash in Matsuyama, Japan. I have checked this on the internet and it happened on 13th November 1966. Then there is the 'Rock n Roll Revival Hour' of the coming Sunday where Mark Stevens says this is the last show on Radio England. I didn't listen to the final programme myself as I wasn't listening to SRE much at that stage, I preferred Radio London or my local station Radio 270. I think the close down took everybody by surprise - that's why there aren't many recordings around.

Author’s comment:

In the Phil Martin newscast mentioned by Martyn Webster one of the hotlines is: “Space.” This was about the Gemini XII space flight and Phil mentions a “walk in space right now.” (happened on 13th November).

Chapter 2: “The Boss Jocks, play more music now!” Attempt of a diary of the last month of SRE.

By Ray Robinson, Martyn Webster and Svenn Martinsen

Monday, October 10, 1966

Tom Cooper(The late Tom Hatala)30 mins tape exists

Tuesday, October 11th, 1966

1700-1800 Gary Stevens prerecorded show from WMCA NEW YORK 55 mins tape exists.

Thursday, October 13, 1966

1800-Roger Day 60 mins tape exists: Short transcript: “Roger Day 6 away from 8. Spencer Davis Gimme Some Lovin’ no. 38 in the Fun 50. Have you seen your mother baby by Stones no.5 in the Fun 50. “Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast on 227 metres this is Swinging Radio England, Britain’s only 24 hours most music station where the time now is a quarter minute before 8 pm. This is the Roger Day show on the Much More Music station. The Boss Jocks Boss Jocks play more music now!”

Friday, October 14th, 1966

1800-2300 Tom Cooper 25 mins tape exists: 1822-1849 Transcript: Tom Cooper from the 6-11pm show. Fun Sound no.36 “Et moi, moi, moi, c’est la vie” w Jacques Dutronc. A winner from France there. Dutch promo #1, see below. .Jingle: “moremusicmoremusicmoremusic” Four Tops w Reach Out and I’ll be there, no.1 in Fun 50. Jingle: “Hitbound.” Tom Jones. “Green Green Grass of Home”. This is Tom on the radio until 11 tonight. We have 28 mins before 7 o’clock Legal ID on half hour: “Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast this is Swinging Radio England, 227 metres in the MW band·” Jingle: “The Boss Jocks play more music.” No.25 the latest from Lee Dorsey we get a lot of requests for it here on the ship. It is moving up our chart on SRE, it’s already no.25. Promo for Rock ‘n Roll Revival Hour, see below. Jingle: “Let’s look into the future time..-SRE”. New chart this week. 21 before 7, Tom up until 11.Came out with the new chart today, Mitch Ryder&Detroit Wheels: Devil with the new dress on. 22 mins bef 11 o clock. New Vaudeville Band: Winchester Cathedral. No.34. Jingle: Moremusicmoremusicmoremusic. Stateside Extra from Tim, Tom and Turnons: Chara-Lyn. SRE, 227 m in the MW band. Jingle: Weatherwordtheweatherwordtheweatherword at .45. Jingle: Its lift up time on funny radio we’re going into orbit. Flashback: Marvin Gaye, Wonderful One. Until 11· We have 12 mins before 7·much more of the swinging sounds from the top 50. 39 from the SRE tour Neil Christian and Two at a time.

Saturday, October 15th, 1966

-0500 Johnnie Walker’s last Show on the station. 53 minutes tape exists. Two different recordings, one from presumably 227 with a whistle, and one from presumably a relay on 355, much better quality, also a small 5 minute portion, combined 0124-0217. Transcript: Neil Diamond w Cherry Cherry. Jingle: Live this weekend. Neil Christian?? w Two at a time. Jingle: “Thatman-JW”. Unid record, then Unknown artist w Que Sera. Jingle: JW-Sonovox. Bobby Hebb w Sunny. Jingle: “Let’s look into the future time..-SRE”. Boss Jocks Pick of the week. 25 mins right side of 1, Friday-Saturday. Chris Farlowe w Right On Baby. Brand new Fun 50 and Boss Jocks Pick of the week between 8-12 this morningtime w the Boss Cat. Hightime w Paul Jones. Paul Jones on Boss Radio. Jingle: Boss Radio instant replay Paul Jones again Fun sound 40. Promo: “Saturday-The Boss Fun 50. Saturday Morning-The Boss Fun 50. Saturday Morning at 8-The Boss Fun 50”. Jingle: “Stay with the Fun...-SRE”. 33 past 1. Supremes w You can’t hurry love. Fun Sound 27. Tim, Tom&Turnons: Chara-Lyn. 22 until 2. Promo: “This saturday at Midnight·every record a golden goodie·for 24 hours·The Million Pound Sound of Boss Radio.” Toys w Baby Toys. 34 in the Boss Fun 50. You heard it first on Boss Radio. The last Walker Fiasco·kinda sad·off at 5. Hopefully I will still be able to broadcast to you(clue) Jingle: “Take a portable radio”..can still hear Walker on the wireless.” Chris Montez w There’ll never be another you no.21 in the old rusty Fun 50. 13 until 2. Track from Pet Sounds album(turned out to be another clue w repeat of Caroline jingle!) Spencer Davis Group, Stevie Winwood w Gimme some lovin’. Brand new sound, heard it first on Boss Radio. (another clue of new job) Jingle: Take a portable radio. Marvin Gaye w Girl that I need. No.33, brand new chart today between 8-12. Winchester Cathedral, w New Vaudeville Band, instrumentally yours, 6 before 2. Fun Sound 14. Jingle: “You get a positive charge-SRE” Excels w Gonna Make you mine. Promo: Solid Gold Sunday, this Sat at midnight· Million Pound sound of Boss radio.” Jingle: “Dubidub·” Legal ID: #6, see below. “this is the JW show.” “On the much More Music station, Swinging Radio England. Jingle: “The Boss Jocks play more music now!” “Have you ever loved somebody w Searchers. No.11 The 3rd Hour of the JW Fiasco for this late Fri Evening early Sat morning. Jingle: “He’s in, Johnnie Walker, He’s on!” Jingle: “Live this weekend·SRE” Unid Hitbound Sound. Bobby Darin w If I were a carpenter. No.10 in the Fun 50. 9 mins after 2. Jingle: Remember this golden classic. (Clue of new station) Jingle: “Take a lively companion..” Herman’s Hermits: I got a feeling. This is brand new as Gary Stevens would say! Tommy Roe: “Hooray for Hazel.” 11 after 2. You heard it first on Boss Radio and Boss by the way in Dutch is·so maybe you’ve got a chance. 13-14 Most mins on the right side of 2 o’c lock. No.46 Carla Thomas and B-A-B-Y. (Roger Day in studio) Unid record.

1700-1800 Gary Stevens prerecorded show from WMCA NEW YORK 55 mins. Golden Goodies Show? Tape exists.

Sunday, October 16th, 1966

1000-1400 Boom Boom Brannigan At least parts of 1hr.23 mins tape exists 1159-1234 and 1259-1322. Transcript: Jingle: Go-go charge! Solid Gold Sunday. Roy Orbison: Oh, Pretty Woman. Talk on earphones not working. Mr. Businessman Promo #2: see below. “The greatest lover of all time” Legal ID folloed by This is the Boom Boom Brannigan show, Uncle Boomer. “Would you believe the sound of Lou Christie. LC: Lightning strikes. 21/2 mins past noontime, good afternoon, the big beat sound of Boss Radio, sometimes known as(jingle) Swinging Radio England. Ad: Rent a TV set today H.Reynolds&sons Tilbury, Gravesend and Chapel St.Mary. (Chuck Blair) Jingle: Live this weekend. Jimmy Justice: When my little girls is smiling. Solid Gold Sunday promo. Ad: Stars Color portraits, of Man from U.N.C.L.E, write Stars, 32 Curzon Street., London W1.Tom Jones: It’s not Unusual, the BB Spree Light program(Author) 10 past 12 o’clock noon time. Ad. Noxema Skin Crme Quiz, a day w Paul&Barry Ryan. Fabulous magazine. Bobby Vinton w Long and lonely night. 12.16 Space News Hotline w John Ross-Barnard. Hotline: Religion. Birmingham, Aden. Ottawa. Foreign Secretary George Brown will stop off for meeting with Canadian Minster for Ext’l affairs Mr.Paul Martin after UN General Assembly. (Author:Brown was at UN General Assembly in NYC in October and had a meeting w Washington officials on October 14th) Malawi. Weatherscope reports. Ronnie Dove w When liking turns to loving. Thanks to JRB for the news. Ad. Tartan Racing Pools, Radio Scotland house, Cranworth Street, Glasgow, W2, (Author-w Gordon Bennett/Gary Kemp?) or to Racing pools agents, c/o Radio England, 32 Curzon Street. London W1[14] 12.22 Solid Gold Sunday promo. Bill Berry in the morning, Bruce Wayne on the all-night pride. Bobby Goldsboro: Broomstick Cowboy. The Big beat sound of SRE. Ad: Kent cigarettes. Jingle: You’re a winner Ad. Tippin “Where did I put that sixpence”. Connie Francis: Jealous heart. 12.29 Legal ID. Lovin’ Spoonful You didn’t have to be so nice. 32 past 12 noontime that means you’ve got another 1.28 to put up w me. Roger Day promo, will play best of Stones, Beach Boys Beatles every Sunday on the RD show between 6-8pm. Thatman RD jingle.

12.59 Boss Radio-Instant replay 3 times. 1 before 1. Searchers. Take me for what I’m worth. Legal ID. Searchers. Take me for what I’m worth. Solid Gold Sunday promo. Ad: Star Color Portrait.. 13.06: The most horrible record I haver heard this is lousy!- Rainy Day Women #12 and 35. when it comes to singing·Dylan stinks. PJ Proby w Hold Me. 13.10 Comments on delicious Chicken dinner. My compliments, my deepest compliments to the chef. Dig this for a meal. Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, Russell’s Sprouts. A whole roasted chicken w cream sauce, make you hungry? Good..I’m sadistic·Ad: Noxene Skin Crme. Date w Paul&Barry Ryan, details in Fabulous magazine. Manfred Mann: 54321 13.14 News w JRB. Marvelettes. Put yourself in my place. 13.19 Boomers Get-together Tom Jones: With these hands. 13.22 Tartan Racing Pools.

1400-1800 Alan Black

1800- Roger Day

Monday, October 17th, 1966

1400-1700 Alan Black

1700-1800 Gary Stevens

1800-2400 Roger Day. 36 minutes tape exists. 1903-1939. Transcript: Psycothic Reaction w Count Five. Promo for Swinging 66 program for 2/6, postage sixpence. Write Program, 32 Curzon St, London W1. Carla Thomas 29 in the Fun 50 B-a-b-y. Oldie Goldie Time Peter and Gordon Baby I’m yours. 12 past 7. News at 15 past w Alan Black, the fastest haggis alive. Pinkerton’s Colours 34 in the Fun 50. Magic Rocking Horse. 19.15 news w Alan Black: Hotlines USA Pres. Johnson embarks on SE Asia tour.(This started on October 17th!) Newspapers, Cape Town. Motor Industry. Weather. Petula Clark Who am I no.10. Credits to Alan Black, on from 2-6 in afternoon, make that 2-5, Gary Stevens at 5. Herman’s Hermits Speed On bside of No Milk Today. It’s blast off time on the Action Satellite we’re going into orbit· No.wonderful sound of the Four Tops. The boat is rocking, get another turntable. Swinging 66 promo half-way. Manfred Mann w Semidetached Suburban Mr.james. Hitbound. Sunny w Cher, 17 in the Fun 50. 7.31 on the Roger Day day?show going right up until midnight when it’s Bruce Wayne. Boss Jocks pick of the week Good Vibrations w Beach Boys. Jingle; “Thatman-RD” Walker Bros. No.41 in Fun 50. Waves Jet Set jingle.

Saturday, October 22nd, 1966

0000-0500 Bruce Wayne 90 minutes tape exists. 0155-0325. Transcript: Jingle: “You’re a winner with-SRE” Pinkerton’s Assorted Colours w The Magic Rocket Horse no.34. Remark about Aberfan disaster today which Bruce had seen on TV tonight. 5 minutes before 2. Stateside Extra from Tim, Tom and Turnons: “Chara-Lyn” The Bruce Wayne Midnight Early Show , up to the hour w Slow Down w Young Rascals. 2 past 2 hours Legal ID w Bill Berry: Fanfare+”This Is SRE·” ID #8 below. Lady Godiva Peter and Gordon No.6 in Fun 50. Five Past 2. Hitbound comes in tomorrow w Herbie Mann. John Ross-Barnard on Aberfan relatively long talk on behalf of the Radio England news staff. More tomorrow morning at 6.15. To night workers, imsomniacs, or just plain pleasure lovers, the Bruce Wayne show. Wrapping Paper w Cream. Small Faces w Come on Children. Quarter past 2:”Swinging Radio England brings you up-to-the minute reports from the ionospheric weather checker”. Weather report. Outlook for Sunday and Monday. Promo:” Presented by Keele Insurance the Rock În Roll Revival Hour this Sun between the hrs of 3.15 and 4.15 with Mark Stevens and Errol Bruce. “Bruce Wayne He’s In Stay with the fun-SRE” Record by Robert Parker no.42. 19 past 2 o’clock Otis Redding: “Treat her right”. 21 past 2 o’clock Hello to nurses and music lovers. Jingle: “England’s finest·where the music is news!” This song is Boss Sound no.1-1-1-1.” Four Tops Reach Out and I’ll be there. Boss Radio instant replay, 3 times. Four Tops once again. 27 past 2 o’clock Hitbound. Help me Girl w Eric Burdon&Animals. SRE Magnificent Seven promo,see below. Promo: “All systems are go for the wildest dance of the year. SRE Night out at Launchpad High Road Leyton E10 rave with The Koobas, Sister Jill and the Brethren w Boss Jocks Bruce Wayne and Bill “Boss” Berry·count down with the Gemini·finest dance team in universe. Competition w price: Trip to the RE ship....Friday the 28th·” “Jingle: It’s blast off time..” Drop-in: “As Bruce Wayne would say, it’s all happening.” Jingle: “The fastest thing in the air-SRE” Promo: “Bruce Wayne on RE, he’s funny.” 28 1/2 mins to go before the hour of 3. Jimmy James&Vagabonds w “I just don’t know what I gotta do.” Boss Jocks pick of the week: Beach Boys Good Vibrations. (Author) Exactly a quarter to 3. Stateside Extra: Dynaphones, Pied Piper. 13 1/2 mins before 3. Small Faces It’s too late. Anynomous request. 9 mins before 3. Spencer Davis Group Georgia on my Mind. 5 mins before 3. No.9 in the Fun 50. Hollies Stop Stop Stop. Promo for Rock’n Roll Revival Hour, see above. Jingle:”Bruce Wayne He’s In You get a positive charge. Fleur De Lys w Mud in your eye. 2 past 3. Bill Berry w SRE Legal ID #8 see below. New Vaudeville Band w Winchester Cathedral. Bagpipes Promo for Tartan Racing Pools w Chuck Blair, 32 Curzon Street Promo for Swinging Radio Holland#1, see October 14^th, and below. Jingle:”The fastest thing in the air-SRE” Unid record. Jingle:”BW, he’s in! You’re a winner with-SRE” Chris Farlowe Right on Baby No.23. Ike and Tina Turner w ·used to be. Promo for All systems are go see above. Jingle: “It’s blast off time” Weather jingle, see above. Jingle:” BW, he’s in! Stay with the Fun-SRE” Record: Girl that I need, Marvin Gaye. Promo for Tartan Racing Pools w Chuck Blair “Cambridgeshire coupon” different backing music to above. Small Faces? w Running Wild.

Comment by author: This show has a distinctive club flavour.

Wednesday, October 26, 1966

1700-1800 Gary Stevens. Tape said to exist.

Thursday, October 27, 1966

Tom Cooper. Tape said to exist.

Friday, October 28th, 1966

Tape at www.offshoreradio.co.uk. Newscast presented by Mark Stevens/Ted Delaney with Hotlines Aberfan, Paris, Thailand Pres.Johnson arrived in Bangkok, South Africa, Paris, Bonn Yesterday’s break up of the coalition. (Author: CDU/CSU+FDP Government broke up October 27th)

Sunday, October 30th, 1966[15]

Boom Boom Brannigan 13 mins. Tape said to exist.

Monday, November 7th,1966

Bill Berry(5-9?)

Boom Boom Brannigan(9-2?)

Tom Cooper(2-6?)

1800-2300 sign off. Roger Day. 58 minutes tape exist. 2200-2300. Transcript: “the final hour of the Roger Day Groove, going right up until 11·(Four Tops)Last no. wonderful sound, No.11 in the Fun 50 Reach Out and I’ll be there.(Author) 11 past 10. Hitbound sound from Jackie Lee the town I live in. Joke about who wants to buy the ship. I love my Dog no.18 in the Fun 50. 11past 10 on a Mournful Monday. Beatles Oldie Goldie Run for your life. Miracles I’m the one you need, 48 in the Fun 50. Rain of the Roof, No.16 in the Fun 50. “Thatman-Roger day”-jingle. Bobby Darin. If I were a carpenter. Last week no.1 this week no.8. Kinks: Dandy. No.1: Beach Boys Good Vibrations-from 11 to 1!

This is how the “Good Vibrations” single looked in Norway. From the collection of Ottar Arnestad.

Hitbound: Haydock’s Rock House w Cupid. TC:10:31. Mc Coys: Fury, 22 in the Fun 50. David&Jonathan: 10 Stories High, no.43. Cilla Black A fool am I, No.30. Jingle: “It’s blast off time on funny radio·SRE.” Hitbound: Get it and take it w Luna 2 on Spot Productions. Jingle :Theweatherword theweatherword theweatherword Help me Girl: Eric Burdon and Animals no.10. Oldiegoldietime The Fourmost. Troggs: I can’t control myself, no.36. A cuddle record: A love like yours no.7 w Ike and Tina Turner. States Extra: I Got the feelin’ w Neil Diamond. “You’ve been warned, you beware, but most of all you be there!” Dynaphones w Pied Piper Double States Extra to take you up to the hour·Today you’ve heard broadcasts by Bill Berry, Boom Boom Brannigan, Tom Cooper, and yours truly Roger Day·It’s been a great pleasure· having us in your home· Tomorrow morning at 5 we commence with the Early morning show from Bill Berry, I hope he doesn’t sound the like he looks in the morning as well.. If Bill’s listening I didn’t say that, honestly. From our Governor in the office that means Mr.Vick our MD, all the office staff including Good Morning himself, all the galley boys, all the crews, all the engineers, Uncle Tom· and all down to the little fella that presses the button·puts us off the air and on the air·Sleep Tight..”(Author)

Author’s comment: A really great show with Roger Day in fine form. Incredible so near the end of SRE[16].

Wednesday, November 9th,1966(?)

No tape exists. Author’s log. Transcript: 0900 Gordon Bennett(from 05?) handing over to B.B. Brannigan doing 09.00-14.00 on “Boomer’s Broadcasting Company” playing first “Rain on the Roof” Lovin’ Spoonful.

The “Rain on the Roof” single cover in Norway. From the collection of Ottar Arnestad.

Played twice “Wonderful land” by Shadows, and “Boss Radio-Instant replay(3 times)” jingle. Other songs: “Good Vibrations “ by Beach Boys, “Wrapping Paper” by Cream, “I’ll follow the sun” by Beatles. Weather at 0945: “Swinging Radio England- Brings you up-to-the minute reports-from the ionospheric weather checker.” News at .15: (Jingle) “Space News Hotlines”-”From the North, East, West and South, this is Radio England news live and up-to the minute at 10.16. B.B.Brannigan reporting in the public interest. Hotline Paris·(4 Hotlines)This is Boomer Brannigan·Hotline Canberra(3 Hotlines)And then the R England Weatherscope reports· This has been B.B.Brannigan for Radio England.(Jingle) The station that keeps you informed. News every hour·More Music NOW!

Hit by “Boom Boom”-About B.B. Brannigan

"Boom Boom Brannigan" broadcast on "Swinging Radio England" from sometime in August 1966 to 12th of November 1966. He then seems to have gone back to the USA, and sadly it also seems he was killed in an accident shortly afterwards. He was a very good presenter, much loved by his listeners.

This is not the “Boom Boom” who was on WPTR 1540in Albany, NY, but his identity came from a jingle tape copied by a former WPTR announcer who had come to Radio England in thespring of 1966.

From Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, the “Boom Boom” in question here was born on 17th July 1947 and, although he was only just 19 at the time, had already worked on two US stations in PA- WFEC 1400(now WTCY, The Touch) in Harrisburg and W100 (now Country Gold 1000) in Carlisle.

Suggested real names for him are Bob Wayne(probably not true) and "Steve Mathews" or "Mathers".

SRE shows and djs did quite well in the local “ratings”!

Friday Nov 11th, 1966

App.1500-1517 Bits of Errol Bruce exist on tape. Transcript: App.15:00 Rockin’ Berries and Dandy. Jingle: “In Swinging England, we pamper people so won’t you unwind the weekend with us.., (On Sunday the Solid Gold Sunday·at 11pm Boss Radio special program from the Boss Jocks especially to you that’s Sunday at 11pm. ·the fun radiates around Swinging Radio England. (Errol is here mentioning the farewell show which is to be Sunday at 11 o’clock, followed by a Dutch announcement for what was thought to be R Holland, but was re-named R Dolfijn.) Dutch Promo #2, see below.

15.15 Errol Bruce reading news. Hotlines: London Mr.Grimond comments on

Common market. Space First day of the astronauts space flight (Gemini 12, Lovell and Aldrin, this happened on November 11th) South America Study of Solar Eclipse.

Italy Further heavy rainfalls

More music now. Four Tops: Reach Out and I’ll be there.

Sunday Nov 13th, 1966

1315-1517 Bits of Errol Bruce exist on tape.Transcript:

1315 News w Phil Martin

1316-1322 “Boss Cat” Errol Bruce. Unid record: Platters: Music City. 18 past 1 thanks Phil Martin for the news·Rolling Stones: Mothers Little Helper.

1335-1402 “Boss Cat” Errol Bruce. Spencer Davis: Keep on running, for Richard Kimble!·last day of English language transmissions, yes indeed· Alan Price takes us up to weathertime: Hi Lili Hi Lo Tape. Weather. Dave Dee, Dozy etc. w Hold Tight. 10 before 2. Last “Boss Cat” Bruce show. Mention of Uppercut Club·Billy Walker. Roger Day, Bill Berry, Bruce Wayne to appear in two weeks time. Bobby Goldsboro w Voodoo woman. Jr.Walker w How sweet it is. To all Pussycat members everywhere. Ad for Oscar’s Groovy Grotto, Ilford w Johnny Dark[18]. Dutch promo for new station #2. Legal ID TOH #8 of Chapter 3. Unid record. Can’t stop?

? Special program tonight at 11 pm. Roger Day and Mark Stevens. Couple of other guys.

1502-1517 Beach Boys w Good Vibrations, no 1 in the Boss Survey. (Author) Ad for Golden Kipper? Mark Stevens in studio. Rolling Stones Stones w High and Dry. Seven mins to go on the Boss Cat Bruce Show, the last Boss Cat Bruce Show, Troggs w With a girl like you·Ten after 3 the Boss Cat Bruce show·on the last Boss Cat Bruce show I’m Crying·(playing The Animals) Pussy Cat.. here we go· And so we come to the last record on the Boss Cat Bruce show, on the last day of Swinging Radio England English Language programs·from Boss Cat Bruce---Ciao! The More I see you w Chris Montez. Ad for Family Pack. Soup from Cross&Blackwell.

News at 15:15 w Phil Martin: Hotlines

Japan, Matsuyama Aircrash-(happened on 13th November).

Israel

Whitehall, the Queen of England lays a wreath at the Cenotaph in London- (on Rememberance Day, 13th Nov).

Yorkshire

Space, Gemini XII Walk in space right now (happened on 13th November).

Canada

Weatherscope·More music now!

1517-1525 Mark Stevens/Errol Bruce Rock n’Roll Revival Hour:

(Over theme)”Keele Insurance now presents the Rock n’Roll Revival Hour w ErrolBruce and Mark Stevens(Chuck Blair)·last show on SRE but on Britain Radio 3-55 next Sunday. Eddie Cochran: Somethin’ Else. A word from Keele Insurance·speaking on behalf of Keele Insurance this is Chuck Blair·Call Franklin 2721·Instant peace of mind. Kay-len Twins: When·

2301-2330 Many bits of last half hour exist on tape.Spliced together transcript:

2301 Mark Stevens: “Exactly 1 min past 11 o’clock on Swinging Radio England. And this of course is the last 29 minutes of programming that SRE will bring to the listening area of Great Britain. For this next half hour we intend to do our very best and entertain you with everyone of the jocks who’s ever been on SRE in the past months including those who came over just to do the news, and Britain Radio announcers such as Phil Martin and Gordon Bennett·everyone will sort of say their goodbyes to you. How many times have you heard this sound: Legal ID#9 see below: “For the final time Swinging Radio England brings you 28 minutes, 28 Much More Music Minutes by all Boss Jocks onboard. Chris Farlowe: Think “This is Gordon Bennett(Gary Kemp)(tape) dropped in to say goodbye to you..myself and my family all rallied(?) here·(here Gordon/Gary used his multi-lingo talents presenting a lot of voices, author) Lovin’ Spoonful: Summer in the city. The Lovin’ Spoonful out of the past on SRE called Summer in the city 10 mins past 11pm. Bill “Boss” Berry here. “Surf” jingle. It’s been a real gig. Beatles: Paperback Writer. Bruce Wayne next! BW goodbye message, giving praise to Roger Day, Tuesday on Ready Steady Go! Batman theme w Neal Hefti? Link Wray?

Batman or “Thatman”? It made us listen!

Thatman jingle. Boss Cat Bruce goodbye, been here 2 1/2 months. Fictious character: Harry. Boss Cat/You’re a winner jingle. Ciao! Paint it Black Rolling Stones. Phil Martin ran through a list of some of the djs: Gerry Smithwick, Ron O’Quinn, Larry Dean, Rick Randall went back to WFUN, Colin Nichol, Johnnie Walker, Chuck Blair, Boom Boom Brannigan left the ship yesterday I think, Roger Day, John Ross-Barnard, Mark Stevens(Ted Delaney), Bill Berry, Errol Bruce, a whole lot of them. Harry Secombe record. Roger Day: A Britain radio record·Phil Martin sabotaged the whole operation!(I am) the only original dj·a lot of people have asked how I got on this station(shouts: Yeah how did you get on this station?) I was sweeping the road, and they came and said, yeah you look like a disc jockey..Problem with the consol, Ron O’Quinn: Day, you idiot. Jingle: Thatman RD. It’s really been a ball, you really have been “boss”! Mamas and Papas: Monday Monday. I shan’t be going into obscurity. RD imitating Boom Boom. The Mamas and the Papas once again. This is Mark Stevens once again. Bill “Boss”Berry and I are the only Americans left on board..Bill: And then there was one. Mark: Bill came 6000 miles from Pennsylvania, I came 8000 miles from California..big thank you to the Britons and the Canadians who’ve welcomed us..On Bill Berry’s futrure prospects: Discotheques and Spot Productions, possibly a new business of your own.

Goodbye from Phil Martin, Errol Bruce, Bruce Wayne, and Roger Day(“you’re the oldest man here. come on over here and say the final words before we say goodbye from SRE[19]“), with the latter saying the final words, telling he would be at boxer Billy Walker’s Uppercut Club 3 nights a week, and thanking for 6 very “Boss” months.

This is where Bill “Boss” Berry, Roger Day and Brian Tylney became employed after SRE.

2330 Instrumental version of “Auld Lang Syne[20]“ and “Boss Radio” jingle.

2339 Carrier leaves the air[21]?

Chapter 3: “In excess of 50000 watts”. SRE’s Legal IDs.

By Svenn Martinsen

The Legal ID is an USA term for station identification atop the hour(TOH). The FCC requires stations there to identify themselves by call letters, assigned frequency and licence city. Listening to Bill Berry on ID #8, it’s almost as he’s saying WSRE!

1. “From 4 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast on 227 metres in the MW band, you’re tuned to Swinging Radio England Home of the Boss Jocks and Much More Music.”(June?1966)

2. “1322 kilocycles, 227 metres in the MW band, 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast of Great Britain with 55000 watts of power this is Swinging Radio England. Radio England, your most music station. This is the Ron O’Quinn show. On the much more music stn SRE.( July,1966)

3. “Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast you’re listening to the Capital Sound of SRE, SRE on 227 metres in the MW band it’s 5pm.”(Gerry Smithwick, August 1966?)

4. “Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast on 227 metres, this is SRE your first 24 hours Most Music Station” Jingle: The Boss Jocks(twice) play more music now!” (August and September 1966?)

5. “Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast this is Swinging Radio

England, Britain’s only 24 hours most music station where the time now·”(Roger Day, October 13th,1966)

6. “Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast on 227 metres with 55000 watts of power, this is Swinging Radio England your first 24 hour music station where the time now ...”(Johnnie Walker, last show, October 15th,1966)

7.Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast on 227 metres this is Swinging Radio England, your first 24 hour music station.” (October 16th, 1966)

8. (Fanfare and Drums)” (This is)SRE-Swinging Radio England. Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast on 227 metres, 24 hours a day, in excess of 50000 watts of power, SRE-First and Foremost is BOSS!” Jingle: The Boss Jocks(twice) play more music now!” (Bill Berry, used as late as final day at 1400)

9. “Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast on 227 metres this is Swinging Radio England.”(Over “Surf” track from “Jet Set”, spoken by Mark Stevens. Used in final programme, Nov.13th,1966 at 2302.)

Teenager grafitti. Bill Berry’s Top-of-the hour ID is not easily forgotten. First and Foremost is BOSS!

Half hour: “This is the Ron O’Quinn show. On the much more music stn SRE.”( July,1966)

“Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast this is Swinging Radio England, 227 metres in the MW band·”(Tom Cooper, October 14th,1966)

“Broadcasting 4 1/2 miles off the Frinton Essex Coast on 227 metres this is Swinging Radio England, your first 24 hour music station.” (October 16th, 1966)

Chapter 4: “The Sound of the International Giant·”-SRE special promos.

By Svenn Martinsen

1. “Mr. Businessman”#1

“With 55000 watts of power, you’re listening to the world’s most powerful offshore station at Radio England. With facilities for combining power to 110000 watts. Mr.Businessman, to get your product before the largest audience in the world call Colin Brown at Mayfair 7494 or Mr.Bill Vick at Mayfair 3742. You may write direct to Colin Brown, 33 Dover Street, London W!. Anyone may receive a free brochure simply by calling or writing. Radio England reminds you to always advertise with the leader!”

“Mr. Businessman”#2

“Mr.Businessman, I am a housewife. I have never heard of your product or your service. I may be in need of one or both of these right now, Îcause I’ve never heard of you. By the way, I listen to Radio England all the time. Don’t let a prospective customer such as this housewife buy your product or obtain your services elsewhere. Radio England covers the entire country, the local businessman pays only for the area. For further information call the Radio England business offices at Mayfair 3742 today. Let’s face a fact Mr.Businessman, everyone listens to Radio England, you’re listening right now.”

2. “Thatman”

To “Thatman” jingle bed: “It’s another Fun first for Boss Radio coming soon to to 227 Your Much More Music Station Swinging R England.”

3. Boss radio Bumper stickers.

a. “You asked for it, Boss Radio’s got it. The brand new Boss bumper stickers are available NOW! Send for fabulous bumper stickers- please send a stamped addressed envelope to Boss Bumper stickers, 32 Curzon Street London W1. It’s free from the Boss!”

b. “You asked for it, Boss Radio’s got it. The brand new car stickers are available NOW! To get your FREE Boss-fabulous car sticker- send a self-addressed stamped envelope to car sticker, 32 Curzon Street London W1. It’s free from the Boss!”

4.”The Magnificent Seven”.

The style of this approx. 30 secs promo is similar to the three Jack Curtiss made for Britain Radio[22] and for all I know, it could be him at least writing the script on this slightly cryptic one too.

Theme mx: “The Magnificent Seven” by Elmer Bernstein. Bill Berry: “From the fishing banks of the Thames to the all-night (buckle?)(muscle?)(music?) of the markets at Covent(?) Garden. All England waits, watches and listens as the leaves begin to dawn their fall jackets of many colors. But one thing remains consistent as the season change(s)-the sound of the International giant, Radio 227. This is SRE Country!”

5. “Ja, ja”-Going Dutch.

a. “Hallo Swingers in Holland, wij verzorgen de groetse programma’s binnen kort voor U op dit station Swinging Radio Holland dus blijft afgestemd op 227 meter op het middengolf op Swinging Radio Holland.”

b. “Ja, ja nog maar even de Radio England wordt een nieuwe nederlandse zender op de 227 meter. anstande maandag kunt u al gaan luisteren naar dit fijne station· darin komt alle nieuws op deze niuewe zender op de 227 meter”

Chapter 5: “Saturday morning at 8”-SRE’s Promos(for) special shows

By Svenn Martinsen

1.”Saturday morning at 8-the Boss Fun 50”

The chart changed name at some stage from Boss 40 to Boss Fun 50 but was also called Fun 50 towards the end.

Are record surveys/charts from the SRE Boss 40 and Boss Fun 50 still available?

2. “ Sunday at 3.15 the Rock ‘n Roll Revival Hour w Mark Stevens and Errol Bruce.” This program was also broadcast on the closing day, but when did it start?

3. Gary Stevens.

Recorded at WMCA New York. Started July 13^th. Heard last October 26th, 1966?

4. From the official start in June Every other record each weekend from Fri Midnight to Sun Midnight was an Oldie Goldie on The Swinging Radio England Great Gathering of Golden Goodies.

From September until the end each Sunday was a Solid Gold Sunday ie every record played a Golden Goodie from Sat Midnight to Sun Midnight.

5. Boss Beatles Weekend.

In the Evening Standard of March 4th,1966 John Lennon said the Fab Four were more popular than Jesus. The American reaction was instantaneous. Radio stations across the country, but especially in the Midwest and the South, one being WAGY 1320, stopped playing Beatles records. On August 13, KLUE Radio in Texas organized a Beatles bonfire. The Texan SRE hosted this event to “boost” the group, coinceding with the Beatles’ USA tour in August, - every record played was by the Liverpool 4.

Chapter 6: Bannerlines, Space News Hotlines, Weatherwords and Ionospheric Weatherchecks-SRE News and Weather.

As it well known, from its inception, SRE had the most complicated news bulletins ever heard on UK radio, easy to hear on the opening day, June 19th, 1966. In “Bannerline News” every hour 15 minutes past the hour the presenter had to coordinate jingles, echoes and sound effects while reading the news stories. although simplified after some weeks, later the format was slightly changed to “Space News Hotlines”, not exactly easy to present either: “From the North, East, West and South, this is Radio England news live and up-to the minute at öfifteen. N.N. reporting in the public interest. Hotline·(Hotlines)This is N.N.·Hotline·(Hotlines)And then the R England Weatherscope reports· This has been N.N. for Radio England.(Jingle) The station that keeps you informed. News every hour·More Music NOW!

The SRE News made an enormous impact on the listeners!

The weather reports were broadcast at 15 minutes before the hour, and during the night also at 15 past. Two different jingles were used seemingly without any clear format: “Pams “Ionospheric weatherchecker” and “Theweatherwordtheweatherword”, sometimes followed by “Weatherword-go go!”

Chapter 7: “It’s Thatman” -SRE’s jingle sets.

Input by “Thatman” Roger Day from “the MUCH MORE MUSIC STATION”!

It is well known that SRE started out with Pams series 27 “Jet Set” jingles[23], plus some additions coming from stations like WFUN Miami(series 14?, 26?) And series 29 “Go Go”. Then “Thatman”, a dynamic set from Spot Productions of Dallas riding on the “Batman” wave was implemented at the beginning of July 1966, aided by samples from WPTR Albany[24], imported by Larry Dean. See also Chapter 4 above.

A bouquet of other Texan Roses from Radio England’s last weeks follows in the form of KBAT San Antonio 680, KRYS Corpus Christi 1360, and KAYC Beaumont 1450.

Chapter 8: A format change on 227 and Bill Berry shows leadership.

By Svenn Martinsen

On October 14th, 1966, a promo on SRE announced a format change to Swinging Radio Holland in Dutch in Tom Cooper’s evening show. Also so in Bruce Wayne’s Midnight Early Show on October 22nd, 1966. And Johnnie Walker mentioned the change in his farewell show on October 15^th, 1966. But on November 11th, the new station was unnamed in the Errol “Boss Cat” Bruce afternoon show, while in a promo in the same show on November 13th, the last day, also no name was given.

John Ross-Barnard of the Radio England news staff has that story:

“I left SRE/Britain Radio in October 1966 to join BBC 2 TV. But on the day I received the word from my wife that I had been offered work with the BBC, the information that SRE was to close, very soon, was delivered by (I think) Brian Tilney who had formerly been a broadcaster on the ship but joined the Supply & Tender company as a manager. When the news broke everyone was devastated so I realised that my good news would not go down very well. (My own memories are included in Keith Skues's splendid book 'Pop went the Pirates'.) It was the first experience for many on board to be part of a station close-down. But of course the American DJs were very used to format changes, station closures etc and I recall that Bill Berry got the boys (we were hardly more than boys) together and gave us a good talking-to, right there on the deck of the Laissez Faire. "Life will go on" he said "You will survive this experience, you will have a career in radio if you are persistent and if you are not you might as well forget radio as a career." It was a salutary lesson and lecture and one which I have never forgotten. In fact Bill Berry was an unsung catalyst to those of us who had very little experience of what "real" radio was all about. Many of us took his words to heart and not only survived in radio & TV but some even succeeded!

I am sorry to hear that Tom Hatala has died. He too knew what English radio would become in the future. The US Boss Jocks must have thought we were very naive. But they had the good manners not to say so. We did not deserve the courteous treatment we received from Don Pierson and others, well from most of them in fact.”

Chapter 9: “Today, this song is Boss Sound no.1-1-1”.From the last “Boss Fun 50”, of November 5th, 1966.

By Svenn Martinsen

TW LW TITLE ARTIST/S
1 11: Good Vibrations. Beach Boys (Number Wonderful Sound)
2
3
4
5
6
7 A love like yours. Ike and Tina Turner.
8 1 If I were a carpenter. Bobby Darin.
9
10 Help me Girl. Eric Burdon and Animals.
11 Reach Out and I’ll be there. Four Tops.
12
13
14
15
16 Rain of the Roof. Lovin’ Spoonful.
17
18 I love my Dog. Cat Stevens.
19
20
21
22 Fury. Mc Coys.
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30 A fool am I. Cilla Black.
31
32
33
34
35
36 I can’t control myself. Troggs.
37
38
39
40
41
42
43 10 Stories High. David&Jonathan
44
45
46
47
48 I’m the one you need.Miracles.
49
50
Hitbound: The town I live in. Jackie Lee.
Hitbound: Cupid. Haydock’s Rock House.
Hitbound: Get it and take it. Luna 2.
Boss Jocks Pick of the week?

Chapter 10: “Ron on the radio from 2-6 pm.” Laissez Faire djs and newsreaders May 3rd-November 13th, 1966

Per “Station Information” the operation was said to have 16 DJs, 8 US and 8 British, each broadcasting a 4 hour period. When the stations commenced, it was noticed that dj theme tunes was not used on Radio England.

Chapter 11: On 3-55 and 2-27-The Laissez Faire frequencies[26]

By Svenn Martinsen and Martyn Webster

The original frequencies planned for this operation were 650 and 850 kcs[27], and both Don Pierson, Gerry Smithwick and Ron O’Quinn seem to have had a hand in the planning. The latter two seem to have tuned around the dial for free spots.

650 proved to be used by the BBC Third Programme(647, author), so it was thought one should double the frequency and find a quiet spot in that area[28]. But the evidence points to SRE starting on 355 metres, 845 kcs on May 3rd, 1966.The station opened that day at approx. 1030am with a test tone followed by Mitch Miller's “Yellow Rose of Texas”, whether this was demanded by the station's Texan backers is unclear. There were then three tracks nonstop (The Animals' Don't Bring Me Down, Crispian St.Peters' Pied Piper and The Who's Substitute including “Positive Charge”, “Where there’s action” “Jet Set” jingles before Ron O’Quinn made the first test announcement:”Radio England on the air on 3-55 on your meter dial, 355 on your standard broadcast dial, Radio England on the air for broadcast purposes(“Stay with the Fun” “Jet Set” jingle) Radio England song no.1 now the Mamas and Papas and Monday Monday Radio England time it’s 14 minutes till 11 o’clock. Another signal with Classical music(?) was noticeable below SRE on the occasion. It might have been a spurious signal? The station was on 845 24 hours with RAI Italy complaining until May 20th at 2300 per Benelux DX Club, while Oyvind Stenberg of Norway’s DXLC says he heard it May 21st. Britain Radio on 1322(exact frequency?) continued until May 25th at 1855 also per BDXC. Rolf Mong of DXLC logged Britain first on May 16th, and has both stations still on their original frequencies May 29th with massive daytime signals in South West Norway. Rolf notes interestingly enough 850 for SRE on this occasion, see above. The author’s log has them for the first time on May 21st and 22nd. As just mentioned, Italy complained about the Radio England signals on 845, and the closure of the SRE tests on this frequency are confirmed in “The Times” of June 7th[29], which also mentions the closure of Britain Radio’s 227 transmissions on Friday, June 3rd, due to a transformer failure. It had then already been run on 1/4 power nighttime. “The Daily Telegraph” of May 15th stated that of the twin stations, Radio England on 355 was “heard more clearly,” and that 3000 reports had been received. Later the frequencies were swapped with Britain Radio taking 355 from June 10th. From Norwegian DX-News, it seems SRE first came back on June 16th, 1966 on 1317 when it changed to "227". Then, on June 18th, it was on 1322. The note in “Offshore Radio Files” about the SRE frequency now being 1331(225 metres) does not appear to be right. In July, a SRE Legal ID by Ron O’Quinn announced 1322. But the SRE frequency situation did not calm down as far as we can remember. Signal was OK during daytime, but Radio England was very prone to interference and night-time whistle. 1322 was the channel of the Radio Moscow relay from the GDR[30]. One source says they may later have moved to 225 metres, 1331 kcs for a while, also as 845 Italy's channel. 355 was a much clearer channel on the North East coast of England and in Norway at the time than 227. Britain Radio was much clearer and further away from other stations, and the transmitter reduced power at night, relaying SRE from July 9th 2300-0500. On a Britain Radio tape from July 29^th, Graham Gill announces that station now on 24 hours. On February 28th, 1967 at 12.45 a part of the aerial mast on the Laissez Faire broke, and the twin Texas owned stations went off the air.When the SRE transmitter came back on the air in the evening of March 16th, 1967, it was on 1322 kcs[31].

From the collection of Hans Knot. It is March 14^th, 1967 and the Laissez Faire is almost ready to go back to the Essex Coast.

Chapter 12: The Laissez Faire Transmitters.

1. Radio England/Radio Dolfijn/Radio 227: Continental Transmitter model 317-C serial no.10, which later ended up at Swazi Radio in Mbabane, operating there on first 1376, then after the implementation of the Geneva Plan on 1377 AM.

2. Britain Radio/Radio 355 Continental Transmitter model 317-C serial no.11(?), which ended up at Trans World Radio, Swaziland, from 1974, operating from Manzini on 1170 AM[32].

Note: Radio Caroline South got Continental 317-C serial no.14 delivered to The Mi Amigo in April 1966. They were due to get number Twelve; but as it was the time of the Rhodesian crisis, the U.K. Government set up BBC Bechuanaland(Botswana)to broadcast into Rhodesia. Therefore the BBC had to get no.12 and 13[33].

But, “The Yellow Rose of Texas” beat both BBC and Caroline!

Continental Transmitters. Ad from autumn 1965, published in WRTH 1966.

Chapter 13: A radio rose from Texas[34]takes to the air in Europe with “the music we play all of the time·”-Known recordings of Radio England May 3rd-Nov.13th, 1966.

By Ray Robinson and Martyn Webster

Some transcription by Svenn Martinsen

Tue May 03 öTest Transmissions on 355m app Sign on 1030-1047, Test tone, Yellow Rose of Texas[35] and Ron O'Quinn.

Tue May 03 ö Test Transmissions app 1530-1533, Rick Randall. “·the brand new sound for the British Isles·” Gene Pitney

Wed May 04 ö Test Transmissions app 1503-1514, Ron O'Quinn “Ron on the air-chair.”

Wed May 04 ö Test Transmissions app 1625-1635 Rick Randall. Close down at 1700. “The Voice of Europe, England..Great Britain·” “32 CurZON Street.”

Thur May 05ö Test Transmissions Gerry Smithwick app 1533-1553. Ron O’Quinn at 4.

Thur May 05 ö Test Transmissions Ron O'Quinn app 1608-1619 “Radio 355”.

May ? ö Test Transmissions Ron O'Quinn Swinging Radio England 355 on your meter dial on the air for broadcast test puroposes 4 mins before 5 o’clock

May ? ö Test Transmissions 1212-1256? Larry Dean 12 mins past 12 High Noon Much More Music on Swinging Radio England Jingle: Fun Radio-Yes Indeed. Brand new sound Swinging Radio England The British Isles and the Continent’s most Powerful offshore station. Any correspondence should be addressed to. 32 Curzon Street Jingle: Flashback The tops in pops on your much more music station where you’ll hear these Boss Jocks: Roger Day, Gerry Smithwick, Colin Nicol, Ron O’Quinn, Rick Randall, Brian Tylney, Graham Gill, Johnnie Walker and of course yours truly Larry Dean. Jingle: We don’t want all the listeners just want you. Hello to US Airforce guys in Amsterdam Holland(Utility-interference[36]). Ad for Crunch. Gerry Smithwick on the radio this afternoon from 2-6. 6-9 Roger Day, 9-12 Brian Tylney radio program, the Boss Sound of Swinging Radio England Soon to be on the air 24 hours a day. Swinging Radio England on the air for broadcasts tests with the new sound on 355 metres. 4 Mins bef 1 pm

May ? ö Test Transmissions Larry Dean Today This song is Boss Sound no.4 Pretty Flamingo Manfred Mann. Today This song is Boss Sound no.1 Paint it Black w Stones. Mick Jagger promo. 355 metres bcasting with reduced power, back at 5 this afternoon.

Sat May 21? ö Test Transmissions until 5pm, back on at 9, app 1522-1532 Larry Dean.

Sat May 21? ö Test Transmissions app 1532-1613 Rick Randall, Gerry Smithwick. 1000 reception reports. Sweden. Finland. Australia. Hank Locklin: I feel a cry coming on! Graham Gill among Boss Jocks. Ad for Smith’s Crunch.

Sat May 21? ö Test Transmissions 2125? Ron O'Quinn 25 mins after 9 o’clock on England and the world’s most powerful radio station Swinging Radio England. 35 before Johnnie Walker.

June 6? 1800-1830 Larry Dean

June 16? Ron O’Quinn

Sun June 19 - Regular Transmissions on 227m Roger Day on News 3 mins quarter past 12 with interesting differences from newscast pres by Gerry Smithwick on following entry(Larry Dean):

London: Attack on Govt by opposition spokesman Ted Heath. London: Sec of Int Transport Fed rec that Foreign Seaman’s Union should support Sea strike Vietnam: Anniversary of Premier Ky’s Govt and B52 Bomber attack. Washington: Richard Helms new chief of CIA after William Rayburn. Washington: Vietnam communists could win more by political differences than by military victory. London: Christine Keeler expecting baby.

Sun June 19 1223-1255, 1300-1333 Larry Dean.

Sun June 19 1358-1446 Larry Dean, Ron O'Quinn.

Sun June 19 1448-1501 Ron O'Quinn.

Wed June 23 Rick Randall 20mins

Wed June 23 Johnnie Walker 25mins

Sun June 26? 1229-1245 Larry Dean Gerry Smithwick brief appearance Rick Randall 2-6 with brand new Boss 40 Johnnie Walker 6-10 slight CW-QRM

Sat July 02 1413-1433 and 1440-1457 Gerry Smithwick Chickenman, This is it for me w Jim Reeves! Brian Tylney on News. Reference to Bomb Attack on Haiphong(Happened on June 29th) Europe’s most comprehensive news service. The Swinging Radio England Great Gathering of Golden Goodies every other record a Golden Goodie. Thatman promo. Strange drop-in by Brian Tylney. Roger Day tonight at 6.

Sun July 03 1340-1410 Larry Dean, Gerry Smithwick Great Gathering of Golden Goodies This song is Boss Sound no.2 Weather. Thatman promo. Wanna say hi to David Hamilton. Cocktail Watch ad by Chuck Blair. Ron O’Quinn tomorrow at 6am Boss Radio Bumper sticker Roger Day at 6. Oxfam PSA: BJs Tylney and Day competing for charity.(July 21st.)

July? Jerry Smithwick announcing 26 minutes before Johnnie Walker playing jingle Let the good sound roll and then mentioned dj sked Johnnie Walker at 10 Rick Randall at 2 Graham Gill at 6 Larry Dean w his “Double Do-it to ‘em” 10 Colin Nicol at 2? Gerry Smithwick 6-10? Mention of GS Brian Tylney lookalike contest.

Tue July 13? 2 small parts: The Laissez Faire stations are running in parallell with network ID: “Britain Radio England” 1425 Gerry Smithwick until 5 at 5 the all new Gary Stevens show. 1429 French ad for Sunbake Bakeware. Britain and England jingle back to back. Thatman promo. 1451 Elvis Presley.

Aug? Brian Tylney from 10. 1135-1148 Ad for Transway Sonic 7 from Clifton Sales Room, 32 Curzon Street, London W1. Tom Jones: This and That. Boss 40. Another Fun First from Boss Radio: Swinging 66 promo. Thatman “accumulator” jingle. Write to me at 32 Curzon·

Sun Aug 07 1405-1434 Chuck Blair since 10. Boss Radio Car Stickers promo. Larry Dean on news. British made C-111 crash in Fall City, Alaska. Smith determined to keep control. Cassius Clay retained title in Earl’s Court vs. Brian London. 7 Gold medals by UK in Commonwealth Games in Jamaica. Flattery won 200 yds women’s breaststroke. Kathy Rawlett women’s springboard diving and John Fitzsimmons Men’s Javelin. New Motoring laws in France Instant weather R England weatherscope reports. This has been R England bannerlines. Another Fun First from Boss Radio: Swinging 66 promo. Thatman Chuck Blair. Unid promo. Gerry Smithwick at 3 or is it Boomer, no, it’s Mr.Gerry.

Aug? Jerry Smithwick The GS show on your MMM station. Ron on the radio goes w the Beatles to the USA/Dick and Deedee Thou shalt not steal. Thatman We’re always there 3-8 Jerry at 8 Roger Day SRE with all that Boss music 9 before 4 Sands of time Where did we go wrong no.30 Swinging 66 promo. Thatman jingle: It’s Jerry Smithwick on SRE. Chris Farlow: Out of time Boss tune 3 in Boss 40. This is the GS show on the MM music station SRE. John Lennon song. 1 before 4. No TOH ID, Lovin’ Spoonful Summer in the City.

Tuesday Aug 09(?) 1518-1604 Ron O'Quinn. Ad for Crazy Foam. Thatman Ron O’Quinn. Weatherwise. Fishing Set. Clifton Sales Room, 32 Curzon Street, London W1. Boss 40 survey. Thatman: “secretly we’re crime fighters·the music we play all of the time·” Half hour-ID, see above. Fox Ad. Thatman: The Dynamic Duo- You-and SRE!” Portraits of your Favourite stars w Chuck Blair, including David McCallum, send to Stars, 32 Curzon etc. Thatman jingle.Today this song is Boss sound no.2. Mamas&Papas w I saw her again. Dr.Zhivago theme w Ray Conniff! Permashort razor blades w Gerry Smithwick send to Blades, 32 Curzon etc. Thatman: Holy Radar. Another typical episode in the life of a Radio England listener. Mr. Businessman Promo #1: see above. Legal ID#2: see above.Thatman Don’t lose your cool.

1800 Roger Day

Aug 12 Gary Stevens 60mins

Sun Aug 14^thBill Berry boosting the Beatles” on the Boss Beatles Weekend - 3 until 6. Neil Christian promo for Odeon Glasgow Thur 18^th of August. 65 degrees in the wide and wonderful. I wanna be your man. I am happy just to dance with you. Final 2 musical mins of Bill Berry afternoon show. Then Chuck Blair from 6 until 9.

Tues Aug 23? Jerry Smithwick on the 3-? show. “The Happenings, See you in September. Fun Sound 40 from Swingin’ Radio England. Good afternoon- Tuesday afternoon- Smithwick show. Ad: Silexine Paint. Boss R Hitbound: Jill&Johnny: Come on Sunshine.

Tues Aug 23 1700-1717 Gary Stevens. Beatles Junior press conference. We go every afternoon 5-6. 11 Argyle Street. London W1. Beatles tour report from Memphis. Monday to Friday 5-6.

Aug 28 Gerry Smithwick 30mins

Aug 28 Chuck Blair 30mins

Sun Sep 03 1313-1343 Gerry Smithwick.

Gerry Smithwick on news. The fate of Luna 11.Wilson ends holiday in Scilly Islands today, commences work on Tuesday. Food prices will not be raised. People’s Daily calls on young Red Guards to stop using force. 3 men to appear in Newcastle court on murder charge. Two paratroopers rowing the Atlantic have been sighted SW of Ireland.. Favourite stars w Chuck Blair. Boss Beatle Buddy no.6 CB. It’s Thatman Gerry Smithwick. Thatman jingle: “All the boys·” Ron On the Radio 3 o’ clock this afternoon. Bye Bye Baby Baby Goodbye Four Seasons. Silexene Paint.(Bill Berry?) Boss Beatle Buddy no.1 Ron on the Radio 3 o’clock this afternoon. Thatman jingle: We’re always there·” Request for Mr.Gregory, Leicester, It’s Over, Roy Orbison. Boss Beatle Buddy no.3 Gerry Smithwick until 3.

Author’s comment: A farewell programme?

Sep 05 Gary Stevens

Sep 13 Gary Stevens

Oct?Johnnie Walker Ike and Tina Turner no.8 in the Boss 40 Do you remember The Fun Spot JW cant’t remember, one day late for ship, Magic Lanterns Excuse me Baby Nancy Sinatra promo

Oct. 8th? Johnnie Walker JW all night fiasco we’re here until 6. Hitbound sound Toys Baby Toys Darling where are you BJs pick of the week Rolling Stones Have you seen your mother baby not only do we like the Beatles we’re also pretty kinky on the Stones Flies in the studio. Harry Fenton fashion center We love you Beatles Ringo Starr promo Yellow Submarine Pauline Thank you girl

Oct 10 Tom Cooper.

Oct 11 Gary Stevens

Oct 13 Gary Stevens

Oct 13 Roger Day

Oct 14 1822-1849 Tom Cooper.

Oct 15 0815 Johnnie Walker reading the news

Hotline New York Geo Brown invitation to Moscow, At UN general Assenbly Debate on Rhodesia Blackpool Tory Party Confrence opens today Gibraltar Wage freeze Algeria

Oct 15 0124-0217 Johnnie Walker - Last Show, presumably from 227 metres.

Oct 15 2 parts 0124-0217 Johnnie Walker - Last Show, presumably from a relay on 355 metres. This is longer than previous entry.

Oct 161159-1232, 1259-1322 Boom Boom Brannigan two parts

Oct 171903-1939 Roger Day.

Oct 22 0155-0325 Bruce Wayne.

Oct 30 Boom Boom Brannigan 13 mins

Nov 07 2200-2300 Roger Day, station close down.

Nov 11 1500-1517 Errol Bruce

Nov 13 4 parts 1316-1525 Errol Bruce/Mark Stevens - Final Day.

Nov 13 Many parts 2301-2330 Final Half Hour

Author`s comment: Many of these programs may be subscribed to via

The Offshore Radio Download Group:

http://www.offshoreradio.org

On the Alfasound Tapetrix Archive Recording The Radio England story there are some recordings not listed above. The most interesting follows here:

May 66 Larry Dean Norma Tanega Walking my cat named dog. In with the In Crowd. Test on reduced power.

May 66 Larry Dean Reception reports from Helsinki Boss Sound 1 Paint it Black

Monday, October 17th, 1966? Roger Day The start of something BOSS 9 in the Fun 50 Hollies Stop Stop Stop RD show till the midnight hour when its Baby Bruce Wayne Brenda Lee Coming on strong

?Ron O’ Quinn about Gerry Smithwick Bang up show 6-10

June? 1966 Larry Dean Get away Georgie Fame. 13 before 4. Another typical episode in the life of a RE listener.

June? 1966 Rick Randall I am a rock for Deborah and Micky at the Tartan Coffee Bar Felixstowe 13 before 6. Randall’s Rambles. At 6 JW. Hello to Jenny in Great Yarmouth. Good boats at sea(author: other radio ships?). Rough sea today. Beach Babies at Boss Radio: Sloop John B

June 25th 1966 Rick Randall RE News Europes most comprehensive news service General de Gaulle in Leningrad

Alan Black Space News Hotlines Newspaper Good q

Ed Moreno ·oatmeal 61 degrees Good q

Sep 5th 1966 Gary Stevens Mon afternoon Q Mark&Mysterians 96 Tears Supremes Can’t hurry love Temps Beauty is only skin deep

July? 1966 Larry Dean Pet Clark I couldn’t live without your love Golden Gathering of Golden Goodies promo Yardbirds

October 1966 Bill Berry Legal ID #8 above on 1322. RM Mayak int sig behind. Good quality Ad for Oscar’s Groovy Grotto venues Oct.27th-29th, 1966

Chapter 14: The song(s) of a Dolfijn enters 227.

1. Concurrentie op zee voor Radio Veronica. In an interview published in “Telegraaf” Thursday October 13^th, 1966, Jack Curtiss described a Swinging Radio Holland “binnen drie weken”, to broadcast “van `s morgens 7 uur tot`s nachts 12 uur”, “met popmuziek, Nederlandse advertenties en Nederlands nieuws, gepresenteerd door Nederlandse disc-jockeys.” Radio England would be taking nights 12 midnight-7am.

2. “·One of his stations would soon become Dutch·”(MD William Vick cited in “Daily Telegraph” October 14th, 1966.)

3. In another interview published in “Telegraaf” Friday October 20^th, 1966, an excited Curtiss explained more of the coming operation, which he indicated still lacked vital points of the organization needed. Radio Holland would still be airing the “hitparade” as “Holland loves American and British songs.” Already Radio England drew a lot of fanmail from Holland. The new station would be no escape from the coming MOA, but company expansion. The broadcasting frequency was to be decided later, and the start would be “in 2 or 3 weeks” . With broadcasting hours 7-12 was meant Dutch time. It seems Boom Boom Brannigan had been brought from the ship especially for the interview, saying “Yeah, Yeah” to the Curtiss outline.

4. “Op maandag 14.november’s morgens om 7 uur zal Nederlands tweede piratenzender in de lucht komen op 227 meter op de middengolf. Maar dat zal niet zijn onder de naam “Swinging Radio Holland”, zoals het station tot dusver gedoopt was.”[37]

Still Texan Radio in Europe. Radio Dolfijn was launched on Monday, November 14^th, 1966 at 4pm in the afternoon.

5. Press Conference in Hilversum Monday, November 14^th, 1966, in “Telegraaf” Tuesday November 15th, 1966: “Piratenzender radio Dolfijn gisteren van start gegaan. Amsterdam, dinstag.- Sinds gistermiddag heeft Nederland een piratenzender bij: radio Dolfijn begon om vier uur op golflengte 227 zijn commerci‘lle uitzendungen.” William Vick informed of which djs that would be broadcasting: Peter van der Hoven, Rob Klaasman, Thijs Lieffering, Jacques Soedan, Jos van der Vliet, and Look Boden. The owner of the Laissez Faire was said to be “Radiovision Broadcasts.”

6. “Telegraaf” Wednesday November 16th, 1966: “Wat er nieuw is aan Radio Dolfijn.” Dolfijn’s format consists of American evergreens from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis jr., Cleo Laine, Sarah Vaughan, Ray Conniff, Johnny Mann, Keely Smith plus Mantovani, Helmut Zacharias, Kurt Edelhagen and Dutch Cabaret.

7. “Maandag middag om vier uur is van het schip Laissez Faire·”Radio Dolfijn” in the lucht gekommen·”[38]

8. Program schedule per Dutch newspaper: 6-10 Muziek in de vroege morgen met Radio Dolfijn. 10-2 Show Time. 2-7 Middagshow. 7-12 Radio Dolfijn na sluitingstijd 24-6 Midnight show met Radio England.

9. Kink November 26th, 1966: “Aanvankelijk had men besloten het station “Radio Holland” te noemen. Er waren al jingles gemaakt op de muziek van de oude Radio Engeland-muziek·We hopen dat Radio Dolfijn alsnog tot de top-40-formule terugkeert.[39]“

10. After the demise of SRE, Britain Radio changed its address to 17 Berkeley Street, London W1, the same as their ad reps: Pearl and Dean.(Eter-Aktuellt 2/67)

1967 and another station on the Laissez Faire, this time run by Carstead Advertising and Ted Allbeury.

Chapter 15: A “Boss” word about “Boss Radio.”

By Svenn Martinsen.

It is about time that the Texan broadcasting venture on 355 and 227 metres in 1966 and 1967 got its full recognition as a project with great potential. Many have said that if Swinging Radio England had stayed on, it would have taken off. “Boss Radio” was a success on 93/KHJ in Los Angeles[40].

LA Boss Radio, KHJ featuring Robert W. Morgan, The “Real” Don Steele, Charlie Tuna and many others.

Rightly, Radio London’s famous and very able Managing Director, Philip Birch recalled a phone conversation after Radio England’s closure with what seems to have been Don Pierson[41] where the latter had said: “· you were right and I was wrong.” Birch admitted that SRE was an “exciting venture”..but the big difference was that the opposition was “·not in touch with British people” and that the unsuccessful competitor had “tried to imitate American radio stations without recognizing that·the British audience had a different attitude towards broadcasting.”

Former chief announcer of Radio London, Tony Windsor said he had to advise his disc jockeys as SRE offered them “fabulous salaries”. Then in London’s Savile Row Cliff Richard had told him SRE would call their djs Boss Jocks. That had relaxed Windsor who thought the English audience would not take the word Boss Jocks. So he had said “forget Radio England[42].”

Of course experienced views like Birch and Windsor have to be listened to. The success of “Big L” speaks for itself. But I think it’s time for a more balanced view.

When interviewed by “Offshore Echo’s” Radio London’s first Program Director Ben Toney, who was employed by Radio England for a short time, said he had told Don Pierson had had too many American voices on SRE, and there was the problem of the MOA coming in, but: “·if he(Don Pierson) had had more time or he could have competed with Radio London.”

On his website Paul de Haan writes: “The Dutch liked it, (but the)British preferred Caroline and London.” Well, in Scandinavia we certainly liked the Carolines and London, 270 and Scotland. But we also loved SRE, with Brannigan, Day, Dean, O’Quinn and others. These were our Wolfman Jacks, “Real” Don Steele’s and “Cousin” Brucie’s.

The “Boss Jocks” on SRE LOVED being on the air.

And even as youngsters we LOVED SRE’s sister Britain Radio, as we heard it was good radio.

Maybe the Dutch and the Scandinavians are able to make a more relaxed judgment?

Ted Allbeury, the famous Managing Director of Radio 390 who was brought in to run the Laissez Faire operation in February 1967 mentioned that the Texans had said to him: “Is there something that we could do, or have you run our operation for us.” He also said:

“I liked their attitude· The people that owned the operation cared about radio..they were mainly Texans, and I rather liked them[43].”

Roger Day[44] naturally shed tears when the SRE “Boss Jocks” received news of its close down[45]. He had thought SRE would be no.1, being very popular with the younger audience, also many times the first playing new Motown material.

Could anything have been better on SRE? Of course. Some slightly untasty jokes should have been avoided. But other djs from the pirate era are also known for jokes to this day. Some of the dj communication was not good either: “Do it to Îem.” On the other hand there were a lot of stumbling deejaying on other pirates, and on many stations later. The playlists were also much too small, and what was presented as “oldie-goldie” ‘s might have been quite recent records. But often the programming was great.

Apart from the stubborn socialdemocratic politics at the time(impossible to understand today) and the incoming MOA, the main reason for the failure may be that of insufficient frequency planning, (SRE should have used someone with real knowledge of European AM frequencies) also that the operation was very unlucky with its signal distribution, the installation on the ship giving much less coverage than what was thought, and had been possible with the two Continental transmitters running properly at full power. Similar units were often used by “clear channel” radio stations in the States and Canada with large coverage[46], and co-siting is not uncommon.

And then there were sales, or lack of it. Don Pierson blamed the choice of sales as one reason for the failure: “On Radio England we were talked into signing an exclusive contract with Pearl and Dean, it turned out they didn’t have the talent nor the expertise nor really the incentives to be like we are in this country and get out make the sales·had·assumed that they could sit in their offices and wait(for advertisers)to come into their office to buy advertising.”[47]

Do I believe in recreations, clones or copies of this radio station? Honestly no, and I think the great period of European broadcasting 1964-1967, when Radio England made its impact, will never return, sad, but true.

Those were great days! Offshore station list from WRTH 67.

Stations like SRE will always be great inspirations for new projects. And still, it is possible to create that “good” station, with “that sound” and “that music”.

Had Radio England stayed on, and obtained the license it applied for[48], one “dream” scenario might be that it would have become a “Drake-Chenault” programmed Top 40 station by 1969, like KHJ or CHUM, be “clutter-free” favourites as Cary’s “Radio Nova-88FM” 1981-1986, and then either “Music of Your Life”[49], or even, who knows, “SRE Country,” just like 227 seems to have advocated in a promo near its sad end. At any rate, those are all great formats coupled with great radio personalities.

But I afraid another scenario would have been more realistic. SRE had both money and the talent. It was very sad it ended up as a short episode. But with the founders, enthusiasts, Deans and Days, and radio aficionados of “The Yellow Rose of Texas” gone one day, SRE might have been swallowed by a buyer with different ideas, and who knows then how it would have sounded? Format changes may affect both loyal listeners and good staff, but are, regrettably, sometimes necessary. Kelsey Grammar, portraying the famous talk show host “Frasier Crane” covers this subject in one early episode of the TV series where “KACL 780” goes from All Talk to Mexican! He then arranges a party for all the sacked presenters, only to experience that they all get new jobs except from him· But at any rate, as Roger Day put it: “Thanks for 6 very “Boss” months!” And thanks SRE especially for the last of these, when

we were “pickin’ up” such “Boss”, sorry, “Good Vibrations” and “excitations”! (Brian Wilson, ©Capitol Records 1966)

The “Good Vibrations” single cover in Norway. From the collection of Ottar Arnestad.

On November 13^th, 1966 at 2330 hours on 227 metres Roger Day became the last voice on Radio England. And after “Auld Lang Syne” the “Boss Radio” jingle played for the last time. Mark Stevens had introduced Roger’s part like this:

“Come on over here, Roger and say the final words.”

We’ll also let “Thatman” Roger Day have the last “Boss” words in this essay:

“SRE was a wonderful station and was years ahead of it's time. I have only fond memories of that time. It was great to work with those Americans who taught me so much.”

“Is it just me or is radio ready for another kick up the backside similar to the explosion of the offshore stations in the sixties and indeed the eighties with Laser·?

I was always a great supporter of less regulation thinking that more stations meant more variety·

I heard somebody say that the Gold format is dead. Of course it isn't. What is killing it is the programmers with no imagination· Gold stations should have huge playlists. I still love the Beach Boys but don't want to hear just 'God Only Knows'·

People actually like variety and surprises which is just what is missing from our radio industry. It does amaze me when I hear programmers talk about their stations being personality-based and then play five-in-a-row with a liner card link·

Ah well, back to playing great songs on my mini disc player that you never hear on the radio.[50]“

Addenda:

Chapter 16: “Hallmark of Quality” Known recordings of Britain Radio May 3rd-1966-February 28th 1967.

By Ray Robinson and Martyn Webster

Some transcription by Svenn Martinsen

May 03 öTest Transmissions on 227m Rick Randall.

May öTest Transmissions on 227m 1357? 1442, 1447 Gerry Smithwick. Station operates with 1/4 power.

June 11-Regular transmission on 355 m. 44 mins tape exists 0857 Ron O’Quinn 0900 Johnnie Walker “Our Top 40 music station Swinging Radio England is due to resume broadcasting next week on 227 metres.” Ad for Smith’s Crunch spoken by “your Crunch compere” (sounded like Gary Kemp.)

July 29-0600-0900 Morning Requests w Graham Gill

55 mins tape exists. 0810-0905 Graham Gill, plus Carousel[51] voice(Derek Burroughs, problems w coordination between automation and live),BBB(Jack Curtiss?) Ads for Reveille and Kelloggs. BR now on the air 24 hours a day.

0900 Britain Radio news. Jingle: The Sound of News. An exclusive to the stn from the NY wires of Associated Press. U2 Plane missing. Wilson left for talks with LBJ. White Paper on British railway system. Pound 2.79 to Dollars. Sukarno says Suharto still PM, World Cup: Portugal-Soviet Union 2-1, Bowling: Derek Underwood victory. This is Bee Bee Brannigan for BR news·details in your newspaper, 69 BR degrees. Greg Warren(Tom Cooper?) w Morning Serenade.

Aug? Roger Day struggling with automation system

Sept? Short recording of John Wall.(Gary Kemp?)

Tuesday Nov 8^th? Tom Cooper reading news at 0900. Britain R 355 metres in the MW band. BR up to the minute news Tom Coopers reporting

Legal action to stop Thorn electrical industries to paying its members an increase

Italy Troops repairing broken dykes[52]·

Alan Black Tuesday morning edition of Morning Serenade 3 mins past 9

Dec 25 App. 1.30 hrs tape exists (available through Offshore Echo’s). 11.06 Phil Martin. 12 noon Ted Delaney on tape(Mark Stevens) 1 Errol Bruce 3 Graham Gill. 8 Phil Martin. Tartan Racing Pools, 212 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2. Christmas greeting by Jack Curtiss on behalf of Radio Vision Broadcast Int’l[53]. Reference to Britain R 30.

Jan 1967 1357- 1429 parts exist of Graham Gill Musical Carousel. “New Year’s greeting card.”

The Laissez Faire, the ship of the “Boss” Vibrations.

[1] http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/5497/RADLON/DPBIO-1.HTML

[2] In an interview with Steve England on the Alfasound Radio England story, the Managing Director of the successor of SRE, Ted Allbeury, emphazises that a continued operation was ãdiscussed and consideredä. Foreign advertising was also sought for, but from certain contacts Allbeury was assured that if he was toäslip across to Hollandä, heâd be äwatched and arrestedä under the MOA. Therefore the plans were abanonded.

[3] It is understandable that investors often for many reasons want confidentiality about their investment. This we want to respect. But for historic reasons and as it is soon 40 years ago we would like to mention that some of the investors behind the Laissez Faire stations seem to have been Pierce Langford III, äRedä Livingstone, Vincent Murphy, World Wide Investments and City National Bank. See äThe Texan Piratesä Daily Mail Friday, April 7th, 1967, and ãRadioschip Dolfijn in Zaandam-Geheimzinnige financier nu bekend:ä Telegraaf March 9^th,1967. In äDaily Mirrorä of April 21st: äEnter a Texan with two big pirate radiosä it is said that the backers were ãBritish, American and Canadianä, and in äPirate Olga goes into battle Brian Dean, Daily Telegraph, May 2nd, 1966, it is maintained they were 16 in number.

[4] See http://www.northernstar.no/afrs.htm

[5] When Radio England came on the air at 1030am on May 3rd, 1966, the first record played was äThe Yellow Rose of Texas.ä

[6] John Englandâs(email freebornjohn@hotmail.com) interesting essay äMuch More Musicä in Offshore Echoâs 82, August 1990, is based on these important files. John England also wrote another interesting essay about SRE and its founder in the 80s: äThe real Don Pierson.ä OEM 57, June 1985. Later, some additional essays have appeared, such as ãLooking back at Radio London and Radio Englandä. An interview with Tom Danaher by Franois Lhote http://www.icce.rug.nl/~soundscapes/VOLUME04/Tom_Danaher.html

and äThe day I attended the funeral of Don Piersonä. A postscript to Tom Danahers's memories of Don Pierson

by John England http://www.icce.rug.nl/~soundscapes/VOLUME05/Postscript_Pierson.html

[7] Although made in the 80s, this must still be considered very well produced, with much interesting material.

Steve England Studios, Overton Bank House, Overton Bank, Leek ST13 5ES Tel:+44 (0)1538 370 160 Fax +44 (0)1538 372 595 Steve@SteveEngland.com

Some of the recordings here are not in the list in Chapter 13. It is thought that some of the recordings came from an unidentified Norwegian, with whom we would like to get in touch.

[8] In an interview with John England on the Alfasound Radio England story, edition 2, Don Pierson mentions Puerto Rico as one stop. 18 months later, the Laissez Faire made almost the same journey back: Azores(de-rigging) and Miami.

[9] äPirate Olga goes into battleä Brian Dean, Daily Telegraph, May 2nd, 1966.

[10] Project coordinator.

[11] Spelt this way on stationery and on the äSwinging 66ä tour booklet, but as äPier-Vickä on äRadio England/Britain Radio Station Informationä. The company was formed on March 11th, 1966 with an issued capital of £2, and liquidated exactly a year after, with over £100,000 loss on Radio England/Dolfijn and Britain Radio. After re-financing the company was replaced by äLaissez Faire Ltdä, which head-hunted Ted Allbeury and Carstead Advertising to operate the new stations broadcasting since March 16th, 1967, Radio 227 and 355. Allbeury had advised the owners to änot throw good money outä, and a sum was stipulated by Allbeury as to what was needed to hang out until the end. The conclusion of the Texans was to indeed put up the sum if he would run the station.(Steve England.) See also äThe Texan Piratesä Daily Mail Friday, April 7th, 1967. Per John England, the original project files indicate that after August 14^th, 1967, many attempts were done to lease out the ship to various operations, just as was tried with its cousin, the ãGalaxyä of ex-Radio London. An indication of what happened is made by Dave MacKay on the Alfasound Radio England tape, who mentions a mothball situation in Miami until 1970, and then a new radio ship period off Vietnam, as part of the AFVN, American Forces Vietnam Network.

[12] See also Peter Knight in Daily Telegraph, April 20th, 1966: ä2 more pirate radios on the air soon.ä An investment sum of 1,450,000 is indicated here. It is presumably the same paper who the next day somewhat sarcastically describes the Peir-Vick Press Conference in this way: äMr.Nixon·said : äLetâs get cosyä, ·in front of äan apparently washed-out Union Jack.ä Another version of the meeting with the press at the CafŽ Royal is found in äDaily Mirrorä of April 21st: äEnter a Texan with two big pirate radios.ä

[13] June 11th,(?)at 0857 Ron Oâ Quinn on Britain Radio: "For those of you listening to Radio England·Radio England will be back on 227 metres in the MW band in a weekâs time. 227-Radio England.ä Johnnie Walker: ãOur Top 40 music station Swinging Radio England is due to resume broadcasting next week on 227 metres.ä

[14] When Radio England closed, Tartan Racing Pools continued on Britain Radio w this address: Tartan Racing Pools, 212 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2.

[15] In the authorâs log from late October or Early November 1966 this program schedule/Dj rota is found: Gordon Bennett 0600-0900, Boom Boom Brannigan 0900-1200 Tom Cooper 1200-1500 äBoss Catä Errol Bruce 1500-1800 ãThatmanä Bruce Wayne 1800-2100 Roger Day 2100-2400 Alan Black 0000-0600

[16] Roger Day`s tale of SRE is found on Hans Knot`s excellent Soundscapes webpages:

http://www.icce.rug.nl/~soundscapes/VOLUME04/Roger_DayUK.html

[17]Interview with Steve England on the Alfasound Radio England story.

[18]There was an earlier version of this ad covering October 27th-29th, 1966, with äBillyâs Bagä by Billy Preston as backing tune.

[19] Just over a month later, many of the final djs on SRE would host the Christmas Day celebration on Britain Radio: Phil Martin. 12 noon Ted Delaney on tape(Mark Stevens) 1 Errol Bruce 3 Graham Gill.

[20] When Radio 355 closed on August 5th, 1967, it used a vocal version of ãAuld Lang Syneä before ãGod save the Queen.ä

[21] One of the new formats of SRE was the Dutch Radio 227, later Swinging Radio Double 2-7. Apparently it was quite well liked in Holland because it reached further than Veronica. Again, like SRE, the closedown of 227 was very sudden and was literally on the day that the contract with the Dutch company ran out. The date seems to have been July 23rd, 1967. DJ shows ceased at 1300, and after taped music for 5 hours, an unconfirmed report says that Tony Windsor came on at 1800 and made a brief farewell before it closed, and that was that.

[22] 1.äFrom the shivering heights of the Eiffel tower·ä

2.äAs the busy girls of London scurry back from lunch and into office·ä

3. äAs the days events roll from the presses of the evening newspaper·ä

-ä·music in the air everywhere form Britain Radio-and this is Musical Carousel.ä

[23] For reference, check out http://www.560.com/pams_jingles.html

[24]http://www.fifteenforty.com/

http://www.oldiesloon.com/alb/wptryear.htm

http://www.reelradio.com/gifts/bbbwptr62.html

http://www.440.com/ny.html

[25] In my log, also Mike Clark and Bill Vick are noted. Mike Baron of R270 is also mentioned on this ship

[26] John England`s fine essay ãMuch More Musicä in OEM 82, August 1990 is essential background reading. He emphasizes that Continental Transmitters(later CEMCO, Inc.) were given 650 and 850 to research and(to)get as close to(these)as possible. But the follow-up from this party lacked somewhat. It would seem that a letter in the original files sent by Dan M.Fergus, Attorney at Law, Abilene, TX, sent to R.F.Burget at Continental is very important. Here it is clearly said that 1320-1322 was only a temporary frequency choice. The stations had also only been able to operate on approx. half power(see next chapter), and the calculated loss of the operation by October, 1966 was $2,250,000,000.

[27] See Ronâs entry at http://home.planet.nl/~dickoffringa/radiolux.htm, ä42.I spent many evenings at the London Hilton listening to 208 and trying to decide what frequency to put Swinging Radio England on· Best regards, Ron O'Quinn Georgia, USA (1999),ä Larry Dean in an ãOffshore Echoâsä interview also seem to support this. See also äThe Texan Piratesä Daily Mail Friday, April 7th, 1967. See also his story under ãAnd this is from Ron O' Quinnä on http://www.marine-broadcasters.com/links4.htm. See more of ãRon on the radioäâs careeer on http://440int.com/440sat.html

[28] See äThe Texan Piratesä Daily Mail Friday, April 7th, 1967.

[29] äUS pirate radio station blacked out.ä

[30] All the same, on the Alfasound Radio England story there is a fine recording of Legal ID #8 with evidently good modulation and the East German audible, but well below SRE.

[31] DX-News 4/67: Britain Radio and Radio Doifijn returned on March 15th following repairs of the antenna mast on board "Laissez Faire". During the first day Britain changed to R355 and Dolfijn to R227. Dave MacKay(on the Alfasound Radio England story)describes a hectic night of converting R Dolfijn to R227 by initative of the new programme director Tony Windsor, including editing the Swinging Radio England jingles. The new format. MacKay said, was ãbasically the old SRE one..but in Dutch.ä

[32] The transmitter engineers when the change was made to 355/227 were Bob Giddis and Ted Walters(formerly Caroline) according to Dave MacKay on the Alfasound Radio England story.

[33] ãCarl Thomson storyä in Monitor Magazine 20 year(1984) Radio Caroline anniversary issue.

[34] At ãThe Party of The Yearä at the London Hilton on July 28^th,1966, each of the ladies were presented with a Yellow Rose.

[35] Played by request of engineer who had this as his favourite song by permission of Don Pierson.( Interview with John England on the Alfasound Radio England story, second edition.)

[36] This interference might stem from the Teleprinter machines onboard, according to a comment by Phil Martin re. SREâs news service.( Interview with Steve England on the Alfasound Radio England story.)

[37] Tom Brouwer interviewing Jack Curtiss in ãDeze zender wordt iets grootsä (äThis Station becomes something bigä.) ãTelegraafä Friday, November 4th 1966. (Dutch to English Translation courtesy Look Boden, R Dolfijn/227) http://www.radio227.nl This article was the first occasion where it was stated that the new station was not to be called Radio Holland. The leaders of the project had found out that the name already was occupied by a company producing utility radio sets. The Swinging Radio Holland name resurfaced in the spring of 1968 in another project with a.o. DJs Jacques Soudan and Pieter van Dijk(Radio 227) being involved.

[38] äRadio-Dolfijn, de tweede piraat die Nederland entert.ä

[39] Title: äNiet Dol, niet fijn.ä

[40] Take a look at KHJ on this link: http://www.fybush.com/site-020313.html

[41] Interview with Steve England on the Alfasound Radio England story.

[42] Interview with Steve England on the Alfasound Radio England story.

[43] Interview with Steve England on the Alfasound Radio England story.

[44] Interview with Steve England on the Alfasound Radio England story.

[45] Originally, he was hired in a most exciting way at the London Hilton: ä Well, boy you better come on up and see us!ä Roger added:äIt was just like in the movies!ä(Interview with Steve England on the Alfasound Radio England story.)

[46] See more in ãMuch More Musicä John England in OEM 82, August 1990.

[47] Interview with John England on the Alfasound Radio England story., edition 2. Also äThe Real Don Piersonä John England reports from Texas, OEM 57, June, 1985.

[48] ãPirate Radio plea to go ashoreä ãBroadcasting reporterä, ãThe Times, July 20^th, 1966.

[49] This said even with Laser at the outset in 1983-84 clearly being in the SRE tradition with its americanized ähitä format. But Radio Caroline had plans in the 80s to use MYL!

[50] From 2 sources, one special input for this essay, and ä21st Century Radioä, november 2000.(Via British DX-Club.)

[51] äOvationä automation system , per Steve England on the Alfasound Radio England story.

[52] Floods of Italy Nov.3rd-5th, 1966

[53] Radio Vision Broadcast Intâl. seems to have been a company in the Pearl and Dean group.

It’s “Factman” svennam on “a very Boss month” of Swinging Radio England!

“How the world are you?” Information sought on a “Radio Rose of Texas.[5]“

By Ray Robinson, Martyn Webster and Svenn Martinsen.

From DX-NEWS 1/67

By Ray Robinson, Martyn Webster and Svenn Martinsen

Monday, October 10, 1966

Thursday, October 13, 1966

Friday, October 14th, 1966

Saturday, October 15th, 1966

Saturday, October 22nd, 1966

Comment by author: This show has a distinctive club flavour.

Wednesday, October 26, 1966

Thursday, October 27, 1966

Friday, October 28th, 1966

Sunday, October 30th, 1966[15]

Monday, November 7th,1966

Hit by “Boom Boom”-About B.B. Brannigan

SRE shows and djs did quite well in the local “ratings”!

Friday Nov 11th, 1966

Sunday Nov 13th, 1966

Japan, Matsuyama Aircrash-(happened on 13th November).

Batman or “Thatman”? It made us listen!

By Svenn Martinsen

Chapter 4: “The Sound of the International Giant·”-SRE special promos.

By Svenn Martinsen

“Mr. Businessman”#2

By Svenn Martinsen

Input by “Thatman” Roger Day from “the MUCH MORE MUSIC STATION”!

John Ross-Barnard of the Radio England news staff has that story:

By Svenn Martinsen

TW LW TITLE ARTIST/S

Radio England

Also for reference: Britain Radio

Chapter 11: On 3-55 and 2-27-The Laissez Faire frequencies[26]

By Svenn Martinsen and Martyn Webster

By Ray Robinson and Martyn Webster

Some transcription by Svenn Martinsen

By Ray Robinson and Martyn Webster

Some transcription by Svenn Martinsen