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BOB HOPE/World War II/Bovingdon
Actor Burgess Meredith, who served as a director of the USO in Britain
during World War II, wrote about Bob Hope in a letter to Paulette Goddard:
"The most wonderful thing about England right now is Bob Hope. The boys in
camp stand in the rain, and they crowd into halls so close you can't
breathe, just to see him.
He is tireless and funny, and full of responsibility, too, although he
carries it lightly and gaily. There isn't a hospital ward that he hasn't
dropped into and given a show; there isn't a small unit anywhere that isn't
either talking about is jokes or anticipating them. What a gift laughter is!
Hope proves it."
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In the beginning of July, 1943, Bob Hope brought his USO troupe to Bovingdon
to entertain the men and women stationed there.
His troupe consisted of singer/actress Frances Langford, guitarist Tony
Romano, comedians Jerry Colona and Jack Pepper.
Above and below are some of the personal photographs taken by "Major, Nate Fox",
Senior Medical Officer and Surgeon, who was stationed at Bovingdon Air base 1942 to 1945,
We would like to thank his family for allowing us all to share in this part of the Airfield's long and varied history,
and permission to use the Pictures.
Needless to say, there will be more Bovi history soon, watch this space........
in fact, can you contribute anything ?
Lest we forget.
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