Here’s the text of another report of what those who listened to XM Radio’s 1940s Channel — known as the Savoy Express — heard during its early years through news reports delivered by Savoy Express reporter, Ed Baxter, in this case, one that aired on October 12th. As is obvious, during this period the nation and the world were in the midst of the Second World War.
In the news today … October 12th … 19-44 . . .
Crooner Frank Sinatra has made his triumphal return to the Paramount Theatre on Times Square in New York City. We say “return,” as he’d played the Paramount to packed houses for eight full weeks during January and February of 19-43. This time … Frank Sinatra’s arrival at the Paramount has been greeted by what is being called the “Columbus Day Riot” … twenty- five thousand teenagers … mostly female … blocking the streets of Times Square and stopping traffic, screaming and swooning for “Frankie.”
In other news … the Republican candidate for President of the United States in 19-40 … Wendell L. Wilke … has died at age fifty-two. No cause of death has been reported.
On the European war front … U-S troops have begun moving in on the German city of Aachen. They’ve launched a pincer operation, utilizing both artillery and infantry. Achen is Germany’s most westerly city and the first major German metropolitan area to be invaded … so you can be sure it won’t be surrendered without a bitter fight. On the Eastern Front … Soviet and German troops are in a battle for control of Riga, the capital of the small northern European country of Latvia … and, while it had been reported that the German army was withdrawing from Greece … they are not leaving without a fight! However … British forces are close to securing the Greek capital of Athens, and British and Greek forces have captured Corinth. In Italy… troops of the U. S. 2nd Corps continue attacking in the direction of Bologna. However … both difficult terrain and poor weather are proving beneficial to the defending German forces.
Meanwhile … British Prime Minister Winston Churchill has arrived in Moscow for an extended conference with Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin. The two plan to discuss not only bringing the war with Germany to a conclusion but how the European continent — might we say — will be “carved up” after the war.
In baseball … the all-Saint Louis World Series, nicknamed the “Streetcar Series,” has concluded, with the National League Cardinals winning four games to two over the American League Browns. It’s the first time that the Browns have ever captured the American League pennant … which was a feat in itself, as many of their best players have been drafted into the military. And … since both teams call Sportsman’s Park home … all six games were played there … the first time that’s occurred since 19-22, when the Yankees and Giants were World Series opponents and played at the Polo Grounds. Why the Polo Grounds? Yankee Stadium was not completed until the following year!
This … is Ed Baxter. And … that’s our report for October 12th … 19…44.
If you are fairly new to this website and my Musings, you may wonder why I tend to focus on certain subjects. The simple answer is Legacy plus what interests me all tied to memories of a lifetime which now total 86 years.
Regarding World War Two subject matter… As a start-up, XM Satellite Radio originally brought me on board to create, program, and manage, what was initially called, the “1940s/Big Band” channel. Of course, the major event in world history in that era — as President Roosevelt declared December 7th, 1941, to be “a day that will live in infamy” — was the bombing of military installations at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
Because of the great significance of the War and related events of this period, I found myself unable to simply create a channel that was just a jukebox … I had to include the historical aspect as well, which I did through daily newscasts and related special “news” features from the time.
It is my firm belief that young people who have come into this world in the past couple of decades truly need to be taught, to learn this history … not only as relates to the disastrous attacks of 9/11, but be educated about all that surrounded World War Two and the mistakes made in engaging in the Vietnam War.
The original purpose of these Musings was to expand upon the published memoir detailing my radio industry career and love affair, plus a little about the world of railroading, which is my other love. I think I’ve shared the majority of my collected stories and photographs — so, I will ask, do you have a question or subject you’d like me to expand upon in future Musings, please let me hear from you.
At the same time, if you’ve not read my memoir, I have a few copies that I’m willing to gift to interested individuals. All you need to do is send your name and mailing address to marlin@marlintaylor.com
