FORGOTTEN VOICES OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR

The title of this production describes only in the broadest sense the gem that awaits the listener. These are recordings of the voices of veterans and radio broadcasts from WWII taken from the archives of the Imperial War Museum in Great Britain. Here is a record of the British war at land, at sea, and in the air, from the sands of the Sahara to the fjords of Norway and the Barents Sea, from the beginning of the war in September 1939 to V-E Day. There are a few accounts from members of the Axis as well. The great variety of accents may strike the listener. While the recording quality of these interviews is not consistent, all are quite intelligible. Timothy West is a splendid anchor for the production, giving narrative context to the stories. His voice is dignified and authoritative. There are also sound effects of naval gunfire and aircraft for dramatic emphasis, as well as music, tastefully incorporated. All in all, a superior production. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 05]