View source for The War Years

[[category:Sylvester Henning]]
Following Bandmaster Hennings departure to India, Songster Leader [[William Walker]] once more took over responsibility for the band. By December 1940 21 of his bandsmen had left the corps to serve with HM forces, each one being presented on his departure with a New Testament.

Letters were regularly sent to them by their much-revered Band Sergeant Guy Hewitt, and by Percy Cutler, who proved during these years to be a most enthusiastic and energetic band secretary. He also took a conscientious interest in all the visiting servicemen and was able to record the names of over 250 who played with the band during the War years. They came not only from the British Isles, but also from Canada, Australia, Newfoundland, New Zealand and the USA. Some were aircrew stationed nearby; others came to receive training and equipment before going into battle.

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[[File:Band_1943.jpg|link={{filepath:Band_1943.jpg}}|Band 1943]]

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At Boscombe an instrument was always found for such reinforcements, and it was not unusual to have a band of 40 on duty. This constant stream of servicemen supported the enthusiastic group of young bandsmen, still awaiting their call up papers, plus the local stalwarts, many of whom were too old for military call up, serving instead as ARP wardens.

One serviceman who transferred to this area was Songster Leader Brindley Boon, who, in January 1941, was posted as radar operator to RAF Sopley. Upon linkinq up with the corps he was immediately welcomed into the band and from time to time acted as guest conductor. 

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Fortunate indeed are Salvationists whose war duties take them within reach of Boscombe Citadel, for a very comradely welcome awaits them. Instruments are immediately found, the bandsmen gladly giving theirs up if all the spare ones are in use, and the rations are shared with visitors who hail from all parts of the country and the Dominions. Songster Leader Brindley Boon (Chalk Farm), who travels many miles to get to the meetings using bicycle, bus and foot, conducted the band through several items, including some of the latest journals, with such excellent results that it was difficult to believe that very little practise had been possible, and that many of the men had received almost all their training in other bands, some of them thousands of miles away.

Amongst many impressions left by the weekend were the brilliant playing of the cornet section, in which were found Bandmaster H. Otter from Bristol Citadel, and J. Strike from South Shields Central and that master of instrument [[Harold Walker|Deputy Bandmaster Harold Walker]], who is still capable of making faultless renderings of the most difficult solos; the glorious singing of band, songsters and congregation; and the energy and enthusiasm of those two veteran 'Rinkers' Phil Catelinet sen. and George Manning. The former gave a brilliant exhibition of drumming in the afternoon march.

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Lt. Col. Bram Coles writing in the Musician 24th July 1943

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With Southampton being a popular target for enemy bombings, Boscombe became the divisional centre and setting for the weekly central holiness meetings, periodical festivals, and other special events. The band took its turn to participate in all such events and a number of visits to other corps were carried out. Openair meetings continued much as in pre-war days, and the Sunday evening openair at Salisbury Road never failed to attract a large congregation, many of whom followed the band on its march back to the citadel.

Sunday meetings there were always crowded, with overflows having to be accommodated on occasions in the YP hall. Bandsmen were privileged to share many sacred moments at this time - putting aside the anxieties of war and rejoicing over the many who sought and found a Saviour. The visit of General Carpenter in December, 1940 alone resulted in 47 seekers, and later campaigns by Mrs. Bramwell Booth, Major Allister Smith and the Marechale also had great impact.

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[[File:Bm henning.jpg|50px|link=Sylvester Henning|middle|Bandmaster Sylvester Henning]]
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