Items

• Building the Burma-Siam Railway

  In the memoir "Building the Burma-Siam RailwayTalk," a former prisoner recounts the brutal conditions endured while constructing the railway for the Japanese. The prisoners faced harsh working conditions, including being pelted with iron rivets by a Japanese engineer and working in non-stop downpours during the monsoon season. Cholera outbreaks, lack of proper clothing, and extreme exhaustion from long work shifts further compounded their suffering. Despite the high death rates and disease ravaging the crowded camps, the Japanese enforced a speedup of work, neglecting to address the epidemic. The prisoners endured meager rations and slept in leaky, overcrowded huts.
• On Korea and the Korean War, 1950-1953

  In the archive, there is a tape reel labeled "On Korea and the Korean War, 1950-1953" and an Electronic World recording on a 17 cm reel. The tape reel likely contains recorded material related to the Korean War, while the Electronic World recording is stored on a smaller medium. This suggests that the archive contains historical audiovisual material related to Korea and electronic technology from the specified time periods.
• Fish fights in Malaya

  In Malaya, Malays engage in fish fights as a form of entertainment and betting. Participants bring their own specially salted fish in jam jars, and two male fishes are placed together to display their dominance. Betting on the fish fights is a common practice, and the event is described as being almost as exciting as any other type of fight. The details were shared in a broadcast on BBC Home Service in 1961.
• Politics of violence: Malaya

  Discussion about the use of violence for political purposes in Malaya. The speakers argue that good treatment of captured communists is more effective than torture.
• Address to Forces in South-East Asia

  Speech by Louis Mountbatten to British forces in Southeast Asia during WWII. He acknowledges the challenges ahead but assures them of increasing support from home.
• Sinhalese music

  Sinhalese music in honor of BBC's Silver Jubilee. Sung by Devar Surya Sena and accompanied by an orchestra. Introduced by Alex Moyes.
• First broadcast of the BBC Empire Service

  The inauguration of the British Empire Broadcasting Service features speeches from Mr. J.H. Whitley, the chairman, and Sir John Reith, the director-general of the BBC. The text outlines the significance of the occasion, the history of British broadcasting, and the goals of the Empire Broadcasting Service. Sir John Reith discusses the technical aspects, including transmission zones, wavelengths, and transmission times for different regions of the British Empire. The message emphasizes collaboration with listeners for feedback, program suggestions, and the importance of shortwave technology. Additionally, Mr. Ashbridge and Cpt Graves express gratitude for the assistance received during preliminary testing. https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/inauguration-of-bbc-empire-service British Library public link
• Soiontongan

  Wayang Wong "Iboek"
• Singapore before its fall/Playfair

  A carefree and somewhat chaotic atmosphere pervades Singapore during its final days. Possessions and money lost their significance, and the primary concern was to preserve life and freedom. The narrator recounts a personal experience where conventional concerns, such as a stolen car, became inconsequential. After parting ways with their job and facing a depressed state, the narrator found a stranger willing to provide a lift. In a seemingly irresponsible and carefree manner, the stranger offered the narrator their spare car, reflecting the overall atmosphere of Singapore during that tumultuous period.
• Address to the Fourteenth Army at Mandalay

  Richard Chubb records a message in Fort Dufferin while awaiting a ceremonial flag-raising. The 19th division has completed a remarkable march, standing on an earth parade ground in faded jungle green attire. Spitfires fly overhead, and soldiers, wearing bush hats, tin helmets, berets, and turbans, stand at attention. The commander arrives, signaling with a bugle. The message is addressed to every man in the 14th army, celebrating the capture of Mandalay and the restoration of the Union Jack over Fort Dufferin. The 33rd Indian corps and 4th corps played a significant role, and Kipling's poem on the road to Mandalay is mentioned, expressing a focus on the journey from Mandalay.
• The Story of Broadcasting
• Two BBC Radio "mistakes"

  A recording featuring two radio gaffes, titled "The Fleet's Lit Up!" and "Music & Movement." The gaffes are introduced both together and individually, and the broadcast appears to be compiled from 'Sound archive' recordings. The content is catalogued separately for each segment.
• Scrapbook for 1924

  A radio retrospective on the "gay twenties," written and compiled by Leslie Baily with music, news, comment, anecdotes, and readings from the theatre of the day. The program includes Garrison recalling BBC recording of the nightingale and cello, Hylton speaking about his Orchestra, and performing with a specially formed 1924-style orchestra. The focus is on the British Empire Show at Wembley Stadium. The format is 1 tape reel in mono, aired on BBC Home Service on 1955-03-04. The copy note suggests it may be copied from coarsegroove 33 rpm discs (BBC?).
• Message to the Empire [Christmas Day message]

  A recording of King George V delivering a Christmas message from Sandringham on 25/12/32. This is noted as the first Christmas broadcast, preceded by the first round-the-world link-up. The performance includes a recording of 'The first Nowell' at the beginning and 'God save the King' at the end, along with an introduction by the radio presenter. However, the sound quality is poor, with muffled audio throughout.
• King George V opening the British Empire Exhibition

  A recording of King George V opening the British Empire Exhibition, with a collector's note indicating it was recorded acoustically by an amateur. The performance includes speeches and actualities, but the sound quality is poor, with audible audience noise at times.
• Java suite: Gamelan Piano music of Leopold Godowsky

  A recording of a Java suite, featuring Gamelan and piano music by Leopold Godowsky, with arrangements for tuned percussion. The content is likely copied from a commercial or broadcast recording. The recording starts at 01:23:53, and the entire duration is 1 hour, 35 minutes, and 30 seconds. The Java suite is found at the end without any introductions. The performers are unidentified.
• Excerpt from Tommy Handley interview

  An excerpt from an interview with Tommy Handley, a male speaker, and an unidentified male announcer, recorded on a BBC Radio tape reel with a paper insert listing the contents.
• Dubbing of NSA-owned disc

  A dubbing process of NSA-owned discs and albums, transferred to Betamax cassette stereo.
• No Title Recorded

  An untitled talk recording without specific details.
• Lord Stanley

  Leonard de Vries narrates a historical recording featuring Lord Stanley's greeting to the USA from Canada.
• The Korean War

  James Cameron provides an elegant report on the Korean War, offering insights into the Cold War era.
• Krakatoa Dalby, R. J. (speaker, male) ^A182785 1937-03-05 Recording

  R. J. Dalby vividly describes the harrowing experience during the eruption of Krakatoa on August 27, 1883.
• Primitive peoples. [4] The Kelabits

  Tom Harrisson narrates a description of the Kelabit people living in the remotest part of Central Borneo.
• Modern Music of Malaysia

  Collection of Malaysian folk music captured on BBC Radiotape, featuring various traditional tunes like "Ayam Didek" and "Negara Ku."
• Sri Kenangan (Masri)

  Embarking on an instrumental journey, Sri Kenangan exemplifies a Malaysian folk dance in the Masri style. Guided by Hamzah Dolmat and Rakan2, the ensemble utilizes accordion, mandolin, frame drum, and bell-rattles, constructing a sonorous narrative encapsulating the cultural ethos of Malaysia.
• Serampang Lant (Joget)

  Serampang Lant, a representative of the Joget style, materializes as a traditional Malaysian folk dance. Helmed by Hamzah Dolmat and Rakan2, the performance encompasses accordion, drum, and tambourine, offering a rhythmic exploration into the cultural nuances of Malaysia.
• Negara Ku

  Negara Ku unfolds as a musical ode to Malaysian heritage, marked by unestablished instrumentation, presumably harmonium, violin, and percussion. Executed by unidentified performers, this piece provides an auditory lens into the nuanced expressions embedded within Malaysian national music.
• Malaysian national music (Negara-Ku and Hamzah Dolmat Folk Group)

  This auditory exploration encompasses a repertoire of seven traditional Malaysian folk dances. Hamzah Dolmat, a distinguished violinist, collaborates with Rakan2, employing a diverse array of instruments including accordion, oud, guitar, mandolin, drums, tambourine, and bell-rattles. This ensemble offers a nuanced rendition, capturing the rich cultural tapestry of Malaysia.
• Lenggang Mak Imang (Imang)

  Lenggang Mak Imang (Imang): A traditional instrumental Malaysian folk dance in the inang style, performed by violinist Hamzah Dolmat and his group Rakan2. The performance features unestablished instrumentation, most likely harmonium, violin, accordion, drum, and tambourine.
• Johor sport club (Joget)

  Johor Sport Club (Joget): An instrumental Malaysian folk dance in the joget style, performed by violinist Hamzah Dolmat and his group Rakan2. The performance features unestablished instrumentation, most likely flute, violin, accordion, and frame drum.
• Bercherai Kaseh (Masri)

  Bercherai Kaseh (Masri): A traditional instrumental Malaysian folk dance in the masri (Egyptian) style, performed by violinist Hamzah Dolmat and his group Rakan2. The performance includes unestablished instrumentation, most likely harmonium, violin, accordion, guitar, drum, and bell-rattles.
• Anak Tiong (Asli)

  Anak Tiong (Asli): A traditional instrumental Malaysian folk dance in the asli style, performed by violinist Hamzah Dolmat and his group Rakan2. The performance features unestablished instrumentation, most likely harmonium, violin, accordion, and percussion.
• Anak Ayam (Zapin)

  Anak Ayam (Zapin): A traditional instrumental Malaysian folk dance in the zapin style, performed by violinist Hamzah Dolmat and his group Rakan2. The performance includes unestablished instrumentation, most likely harmonium, violin, accordion, and percussion.
• London Calling Asia: Ruth Pitter on George Orwell

  Ruth Pitter on George Orwell: Ruth Pitter discusses her poetry and life in a conversation with a male speaker. The recording includes a talk by Ruth Pitter on George Orwell, where she recounts personal memories of Orwell and reflects on his impact on English thought.
• London Calling Asia: A composer and his public

  A composer and his public: Michael Tippett considers his relationship with the people to whom his work is offered. Tippett discusses the impact of long-distance communication on art, the revival of the song recital, and services to new music by radio. He addresses the stranglehold of consumer demand on creative artists, the fear and hatred of new art in totalitarian societies, and the challenges faced by composers in modern Western capitalist societies. Tippett talks about writing works on commission and the difficulties of state patronage in the age of cultural anarchy.
• London Calling Asia: A poet and his public

  A Poet and his Public: Robert Graves discusses his relationship with the people to whom his work is offered. Graves explores the unjustified search for a public, his dependence on writing historical novels rather than poetry, and the true compulsion behind writing poetry. He defines a poet's 'public,' criticizes the evils of ambition and experimentation in young poets, and emphasizes why poetry should not be expected to pay. Graves reflects on being a 'secret friend' rather than a public figure.
• London Calling Asia: An actress and her public

  An Actress and Her Public: a talk in which Dame Edith considers the responsibilities of her art, and her relationship with the people to whom it is offered.
• London Calling Asia: A novelist and his public

  A talk in which Joyce Cary considers his relationship with the people to whom his work is offered.
• London Calling Asia: Morrison, Herbert Stanley, 1888-1965 in Personal call

  Herbert Morrison, MP and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, interviewed by Stephen Black in the series 'Personal Call', broadcast on the BBC's overseas service London Calling Asia, 28 June 1954.
• London Calling Asia: Henry Moore excerpt from Personal call

  Excerpt from 'Personal Call' with sculptor Henry Moore.
• London Calling Asia: Discoveries at Corbridge, Northumberland

  Excerpt about discoveries at Corbridge and Sir Leonard Wooley.
• General Sir Gerald Templer

  Extract from General Sir Gerald Templer's address.
• London Calling Asia: Work and Hobbies of the blind

  Broadcast about Mr. Walsh, blinded in WWI, and his hobbies.
• London Calling Asia: The typewriter comes to the Foreign Office

  Interview with Robert Vansittart by Stephen Black about the introduction of the typewriter at the (British) Foreign Office. Aired on BBC Far Eastern Service (London Calling Asia) on 1953-11-23. Reflects on the improvement of communications and the shift from quill pens to typewriters at the Foreign Office.
• London Calling Asia: The work of a test pilot

  Excerpt from the program 'Personal Call' featuring a discussion on the work of a test pilot. Interviewed by Stephen Black, test pilot Peter Twiss shares insights into the challenges and experiences of his profession. Part of the BBC Far Eastern Service (London Calling Asia) broadcasted on 1956-06-18.
• London Calling Asia: The future of socialism

  Summary of a discussion on the future of socialism featuring Aneurin Bevan, Hugh Gaitskell, and Frank Byers. Topics include British progress, challenges of denationalization, potential industries for nationalization, and insights from Bevan and Gaitskell on socialist policies, parliamentary procedures, and the role of Trade Unions. Gaitskell emphasizes the need for maintaining controls to prevent inflation.
• London Calling Asia: Edmund Blunden Reads Concert party busseboom

  Edmund Blunden (1896-1974) reads and comments on his own poems from 'Poems of Many Years,' published by Collins. Individual works are catalogued separately. Broadcasted by BBC Far Eastern Service (London Calling Asia) on 1957-08-15. Title: Lyric interludes.
• London Calling Asia: Cambridge University undergraduate Bernard Cousins interviewed

  Interview with Bernard Cousins, a 23-year-old Cambridge University undergraduate, from the BBC program "Personal Call." Bernard discusses his academic journey, the impact of army life on maturity, and the nuances of studying English literature at Cambridge. Touches upon the challenges of university life, the role of sports like rowing, and his aspirations in publishing and journalism.
• The Asian club: The writer and his times: Agnus Wilson

  An extract from The Asian Club program features Angus Wilson discussing the serious message in his writings. He emphasizes the value of each human being and his interest in portraying the social dynamics of England.
• Fighting the bandits in Malaya

  Edward Ward reports on the war against communist 'bandits' in Malaya, featuring interviews with individuals affected by the conflict. The narrative provides insights into the challenges faced by residents and industries in the region.