On Sunday, May 13th, the sixty ninth ‘Forces Show’ was given at the Strand Cinema, Bideford, and drew the usual weekly crowd of Forces, being the first show of the VE period and, following the thanksgiving parade, the atmosphere was particularly jubilant.

To mark the occasion the patients of the White House were once again the guests of the evening. Those who could walk reached the theatre in time to see the usual Sunday night queue. Transportation was provide to bring and return those who could not walk. The variety part of the programme was provide by COXE of Westward Ho! with their band ‘The Bunch of Keys’ vocalist members of the ATS and a number of sketches, and the first hour slipped by all too quickly.

It is the custom at all these shows for Mr A E Battrick, the organiser, to thank the artists at the end of the variety session, make known the following week’s programme and deal with any matters of interest to the Forces generally. On this occasion Captain Burton, Administration Officer of COXE was introduced and on behalf of all ranks at COXE presented Mr Battrick with a handsome carved oak tray bearing the Combined Operations badge in silver. In a short speech, Captain Burton said that in organising and keeping these shows going week after week Mr Battrick had contributed immeasurably to the comfort of the Forces in the area, and had made a personal friend of them all. He could not express in words the gratitude they felt.

Replying, Mr Battrick said it was the sincere desire to promote friendship which prompted the original idea of ‘Forces Night’. He had succeeded a hundred-fold and he, himself, had benefitted to the extent of friendship more than anyone. While he deeply appreciated the presentation he felt that it was he should be making one. He could not find words to express his thanks for the way the ‘Forces’ had received and appreciated the efforts made on their behalf. The film which followed was ‘Two Girls and a Sailor’ and gave another two hours enjoyment.

It is understood that ‘Grumiaux’ the famous Belgian violinist, is to give a recital at the next Forces show and will be followed at a later date by Solomon, the world famous pianist. These two great artists are, of course, assured of a most welcome and appreciative reception.

The full Gazette article dated 22 May 1945