AFRS-18

The biggest names in Hollywood and Broadway recorded for AFRS during the war years. The American Forces Network can trace its origins back to May 26, 1942, when the War Department established the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS). The U.S. Army began broadcasting from London during World War II, using equipment and studio facilities borrowed from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

The first transmission to U.S. troops began at 5:45 p.m. on July 4, 1943, and included less than five hours of recorded shows, a BBC news and sports broadcast. That day, Corporal Syl Binkin became the first U.S. Military broadcaster heard over the air. The signal was sent from London via telephone lines to five regional transmitters to reach U.S. troops in the United Kingdom as they made preparations for the inevitable invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe.

AFN programmes were widely enjoyed by British civilian listeners who could receive them. Once AFN operations transferred to continental Europe shortly after D-Day, they were able to broadcast with little restriction, making programs available to civilian audiences across most of Europe after dark.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.

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