1941

Al Bowlly

Popular singer. Born in Mozambique, Albert Alick Bowlly was brought up in Johannesburg. Performed in the colonies and then came to London in 1928. 1931-3 he appeared in 6 films normally as an uncredited singer. Moved to New York in 1934 and returned to London in 1938. Killed in an air raid at his flat 32 Duke Street, Dukes Court, St James's. Buried in a mass grave at Hanwell Cemetery.

Described as a crooner and the first pop star. Prior to Bowlly the named attraction had been the band leader, not the singer.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Al Bowlly

Commemorated ati

Al Bowlly

Al Bowlly, 1899 - 1941, singer, lived here, 1933 - 1934. English Heritage

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Hetty King

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1 memorial

John McCormack

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Person, Music / songs, Ireland

1 memorial

Jack Buchanan

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Person, Cinema, Dance, Music / songs, Theatre, Scotland

1 memorial

'Father' Henry Willis

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Person, Craft / Design, Music / songs

1 memorial

Henry Hall

Bandleader. Born in Peckham, he studied at Trinity College of Music. In 1932 he became leader of the BBC Dance Orchestra, and his weekly radio programme drew huge audiences. He always concluded his...

Person, Music / songs

2 memorials

Previously viewed

Ladywell Mineral Spring

The medicinal powers of the spring were supposed to help people with poor eyesight. The spring ran dry after the construction of a sewer in the late 19th century. Careful not to confuse this Ladyw...

Place, Medicine

1 memorial

The Blitz

During WW2 Britain came under heavy bombing from Germany for 8 months, 1940-1941. This was called 'the Blitz' from the German word Blitzkrieg meaning 'lightning war'. London was particularly badly ...

Event, Tragedy

53 memorials

St James's

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Place, Property

1 memorial

Auxiliary Firewoman Joan Fanny Mary Bliss Bartlett

Firewoman with the Auxiliary Fire Service. Killed during an air-raid at Cubitt Town School which was being used as an emergency depot. She was aged 18. Joan Fanny Mary Bliss Bartlett was born on 2...

Person, Emergency Services

War dead non-military, WW2

2 memorials

Shandy Park / East London Cemetery

Shandy Park is a green space a few blocks due south of this site. It was opened in 1837 as the East London Cemetery with its own chapel, by local landowner, John Thomas Barber Beaumont. Beaumont ar...

Place, Gardens / Agriculture

1 memorial