WW2 Royal Air Force Gang Show Entertainment Troupes Signed Programme Nov 1944

For sale is a Rare WW2 Royal Air Force Gang Show Entertainment Troupes Signed Programme Dated November 1944.

This little lot includes two pieces of ephemera (four sides) three of the sides are hand written brief notes for every act/ stage of this performance, on the back of the fourth side is a message stating “To Jerry, The gang show, Nov 1944.” Followed by 10 signatures from crew and performers including some well known names. More on each of the people who have signed this can be found below. 

The Royal Air Force (RAF) Gang Shows were official military entertainment troupes created during World War II by Squadron Leader Ralph Reader to boost troop morale. Starting from 1939, these units grew to 24 touring troupes and two WAAF units that traveled over 339,000 miles to entertain roughly 3.5 million servicemen in remote stations and active battle zones worldwide. Units like Gang Show No. 10 were touring remote stations across India, Ceylon, and Burma (such as arriving in Bombay in late 1944), performing in camp conditions and hospital wards.

More information on each of the people that have signed this programme;

“My very best wishes, Graham Stark.” Graham William Stark (20 January 1922 – 29 October 2013) was an English comedian, actor, writer and director, known for his close friendship with actor Peter Sellers and appearances in several films by director Blake Edwards, including several of The Pink Panther films and Victor/Victoria. Graham William Stark performed in Ralph Reader’s Royal Air Force (RAF) Gang Shows during World War II, where he met lifelong friend Peter Sellers.

“All the best wishes see you soon, Richard Walker.” Richard Walter was born on March 9, 1924 in London, England, UK. He was an actor, known for ITV Play of the Week (1955), The Romantic Young Lady (1938) and The True Mistery of the Passion (1960). He died in October 1999 in Somerset, England, UK.

There is still more research to be done on the rest of the signatures. 

This is in good condition and an interesting piece of history. 

If you would like to bid on this auction, please follow the link below; 

https://ebay.io/m/dFO7CR

This will be sent via Royal Mail tracked 24 and dispatched within two working days.