TO SING TO TROOPS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20923, 30 September 1939, Page 17 (Supplement)

TO SING TO TROOPS

WELL-KNOWN SYDNEY SINGER ENGLISH TROOPS ENTERTAINED The first Australian artist to join the scheme to entertain troops in training centres is Joan Hammond, of Sydney. London newspapers give prominence to pictures of her singing to 500 soldiers in the Guards’ Barracks, Chelsea. “When war was declared. I joined the Women’s Air Force auxiliary, but when I was called up I discovered that it necessitated four years' flying, which would have meant giving up singing,” Miss Hammond said. “So I compromised and became an ambulance-driver, which allows me to sing in my spare time. “The British authorities’ caution prevented my being held up in Vienna by the outbreak of war,” Miss Hammond said. “I had a three years’ contract with the Vienna Opera House, beginning on September 1, and the director wrote to me on August 27 urging me not to break the agreement. “I attempted to go to Vienna, but the authorities refused me a visa. “I am now replacing opera with old English songs, which the troops appreciate. “I do not believe that the war means death to music. On the contrary, the dramatic situation in which we find ourselves tends to develop a love of music. The troops are certainly receptive.” Other Australians and New Zealanders who have offered to entertain the troops include Florence Austral, John Amadio, Lance Fairfax and Eunice Gardiner.