Fighter Command and the Battle for Britain [21 minutes]
A one act musical for community choir commissioned by the Bentley Priory Museum for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The aim was to produce a site-specific family-friendly piece with adults and children singing together. The material had to reflect the key messages of the Museum as well as being entertaining and also respectful to the subject matter. Lots more information here. Article on how the piece came to be written
Opening chorus - On our own We’re realistic and optimistic Chamb’lain will keep us out of war. It’s not a crime, there’s peace for our time But some things we just cannot ignore. The Czechs in despair now Germans are there, So, “Don’t enter Poland,” we implore. Poland’s invaded, our hopes have faded. We find ourselves at war.
Austerity’s in fashion, our food’s just a ration, Churchill becomes Prime Minister, Kids to the station; evacuation. Hitler’s intention is sinister. Trapped at Dunkirk; the boats go to work; Our soldiers we’ll never leave alone. All’s lost in France, the Germans advance, And now chaps we’re on our own, now chaps we’re on our own.