George Formby: The War Years 1939-45 has been published and on sale directly via Los Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson, author of ‘Formby’s Lost Love’.
The book features exclusive photos of Wigan born ukulele legend Formby and his wife Beryl, in Lebanon in 1942, taken by his official photographer and chauffeur Gerry Watkins.
George Formby: The War Years 1939-45 features photos and chapters of Formby who travelled through Europe and the Middle East, entertaining three million troops during World War Two, including personal memories and photographs from contributors stories.
George Formby: The War Years 1939-45 gives reflections of Formby, who died in 1961, going to watch Blackpool wrestling star Jack Pye at Blackpool Tower Circus; Formby and Tessie O’Shea, who appeared in Blackpool in the 1930s; Formby’s chaperon in Southport; Formby rounding up stray dogs – and taking them home! – to that of Formby playing marbles with WWII Military Policewoman Olive Dickens in 1940!
There is a special chapter included in the book: Remembering Formby’s Love – from New Zealand.
Written by Formby’s fiancee Pat Howson’s nephew New Zealand based Martin Howson, he recollects in words and photos, his ‘granny’ Pat, engaged to Formby in 1961; his father, Pat’s brother James, who was in the Merchant Navy during WWII; along with Pat’s parents, Fred and Kathleen Howson.
To purchase a signed copy of the limited edition publication of both George Formby: The War Years: 1939-45 and Formby’s Lost Love, each at (£10) + £4 p&p (Spain) £2 p&p (UK) email: lancashiremedia@talktalk.net or telephone: 07702340744.
