Golden Memories of Radio (07 of 10)

Summary

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Golden Memories of Radio (07 of 10) – Harold’s Old Time Radio

Date: May 11, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Main Theme:
A rich, documentary-style journey through pivotal world events from the late 1930s through the medium of Golden Age radio, illustrating radio’s growing importance in news, national awareness, and historical moments before the dawn of television.

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Episode Overview

This episode of Golden Memories of Radio transports listeners to the tumultuous years leading up to World War II, showcasing how radio news evolved from entertainment into an indispensable real-time chronicler of world events. Through a blend of narration, reenactments, original broadcasts, and historic speeches, the episode spotlights radio’s role in shaping public consciousness as history unfolded.

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Key Discussion Points and Timeline

The Gathering Storm: 1936–1937

• [01:00] – U.S. Awareness Abroad and Spanish Civil War
  • The narrator reflects on 1936’s significance for Americans, noting how global unrest (specifically, the Spanish Civil War) began influencing U.S. destiny.
  • “Radio took us outside our boundaries and a slow awareness was beginning to overtake Americans that what happened in Europe could act upon our own destiny.”
• [01:44] – Passing of an Era
  • The death of King George V is dramatized, symbolizing an end and transition in British—and global—leadership.

The British Succession Crisis

• [02:07] – Abdication of Edward VIII
  • Archival reenactments feature Edward VIII’s emotional farewell broadcast:
    • “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility... without the help and support of the woman I love.” – King Edward VIII [02:10]
  • Succession proceeds to George VI.
• [04:06] – Coronation Ceremony
  • A live historic radio report captures the coronation’s pomp.

Rise of Radio News – Lead-up to WWII

• [04:54] – Munich Conference and the Onset of Crisis
  • Reporting from Munich as Chamberlain, Daladier, and Mussolini conclude the fateful Munich Agreement.
  • Reporter Max Jordan gives a sense of immediacy:
    • “It is now eight minutes to 2am local time… Premier Chamberlain of England, Premier Dalabe of France… Benito Mussolini... The Peak Four conference of Munich has come to a formal close.” [05:08]
• [05:45] – Hitler’s Promises
  • Discussions and broadcasts recount Hitler’s vow that resolving the Sudetenland issue would end German expansion—contrasting sharply with unfolding events.

Radio’s Coming of Age: The Squalus Submarine Rescue

• [06:33] – Radio Reporting’s Acid Test
  • The rescue of the Squalus marked radio’s maturation as a medium for breaking news.
  • “On-the-spot news coverage came of age.” – Narrator [06:33]
• [06:58–10:30] – Live “From the Navy Yard at Portsmouth”
  • A powerful, tense broadcast unfolds as NBC describes real-time efforts to save crew trapped in the Squalus.
  • Technical explanations and expert commentary (Bill Eddy) are provided:
    • “The Falcon is here… and she is now engaged in laying down her four anchors… The next step will be to drop shrapnels into the deck for guidelines…” – Bill Eddy [09:05]
    • “Well, under normal conditions, at least a week. But we have no knowledge of what the conditions are out there on the bottom.” – Bill Eddy [09:45]
    • “It is pitch black because they appear to be unable to use the forward battery. Lieutenant Naquin has no doubt ordered all hands to lie down in their bunks and cover up so they won’t use too much oxygen.” – Bill Eddy [10:01]
    • “240ft means 105 pounds per square inch. Yes, it’s a dangerous dive, but a possible one.” – Bill Eddy [10:24]

Europe Erupts: 1939 and the Outbreak of War

• [11:04] – Radio Bridges History and Homes
  • The narrator emphasizes radio as “the recorder of living history.”
• [11:59] – The Nazi Invasion of Poland
  • Archival-style coverage features Hitler’s address and the tense lead-up to war.
    • “Danzig was and is a German city… The situation could not be tolerated.” – “Adolf Hitler” (actor) [12:13]
• [13:23] – Crisis Updates
  • News interruption: French Premier calls an emergency session; tension builds as war looms.
• [13:51] – Chamberlain Declares War
  • Somber, direct message from British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain:
    • “I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received and that consequently, this country is at war with Germany.” – Chamberlain (reenactor) [13:51]

America and Churchill: Hope and Determination

• [14:42] – Roosevelt’s Message to Churchill
  • The partnership between Roosevelt and Churchill is highlighted with a moving poetic message:
    • “President Roosevelt wrote out a verse to me in his own handwriting from Longfellow... Sail on, O ship of state... Humanity with all its fears, with all the hopes of future years, is hanging breathless on thy fate.” – King Edward VIII [14:42]
  • Churchill’s famous call: “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Radio took us outside of our boundaries... what happened in Europe could act upon our own destiny.”
  — Narrator [01:00]
• “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility... without the woman I love.”
  — King Edward VIII [02:10]
• “It is pitch black… they appear to be unable to use the forward battery. Lieutenant Naquin has no doubt ordered all hands to lie down in their bunks and cover up so they won’t use too much oxygen.”
  — Bill Eddy [10:01], on Squalus
• “This country is at war with Germany.”
  — Neville Chamberlain (reenacted) [13:51]
• “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.”
  — Winston Churchill (via King Edward VIII quoting correspondence) [15:36]

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Key Segments & Timestamps

• [01:00] Introduction to mid-1930s international crises, U.S. outlook, and radio’s expanding role.
• [02:10] Edward VIII’s abdication speech.
• [04:06] George VI coronation radio coverage.
• [05:08] Munich Conference aftermath—real-time broadcast from Munich.
• [06:33–10:30] Live news coverage: Squalus submarine disaster and rescue operation with commentary.
• [11:59–13:45] Outbreak of WWII: Hitler’s speech, immediate news interrupts, and Chamberlain declaring war.
• [14:42] Roosevelt and Churchill’s wartime correspondence and morale-building messages.

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Tonal Highlights

The narration and dramatic reenactments are delivered with reverence and historical gravitas, immersing the listener in the uncertainty, courage, and evolving news techniques of the era. From monarchs’ somber addresses to the urgent technical detail of a live submarine rescue, the language is carefully chosen for dignity and clarity, evocative of authentic 1930s–1940s radio.

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Summary

This episode is a tapestry of the late 1930s, combining news, drama, and firsthand-style accounts to illustrate radio’s emergence as a trustworthy, immediate source of information during world-altering events. It’s a moving homage to the way radio “brought history live at the moment it was happening into the living rooms of America,” with moments of tension, sadness, and resolve all captured as only the Golden Age of Radio could.

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Transcript

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[Narrator/Documentary Host]

1936 was an important year in the affairs of the United States. Radio took us outside of our boundaries and a slow awareness was beginning to overtake Americans that what happened in Europe could act upon our own destiny. This was the year that civil war broke out in Spain. Soon the battle would be drawn and as Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin use Spain as the testing ground for weapons of war. It was in the same year that a British monarch died. George V. And perhaps he symbolized the passing of an era just as the death of Winston Churchill closed the leadership book on World War II.

[Historical Reenactor/Actor]

On the coffin lies the crown, the

[Submarine Expert/Bill Eddy]

orb, the scepter and the insignia of

[Historical Reenactor/Actor]

the Order of the Garden. As it goes by the King's guard lure the colors and present arms. Behind walks King Edward VII.

[Narrator/Documentary Host]

In 1937, Edward VII abdicated.

[King Edward VIII]

At long last I am able to say a few words of my own. I have never wanted to withhold anything, but until now it has not been constitutionally possible for me to speak. But you must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love. And now we all have a new king. I wish him and you, his people, happiness and prosperity with all my heart.

[Announcer/News Reporter]

God bless you all.

[King Edward VIII]

God save the King.

[Narrator/Documentary Host]

To complete the circle of succession, George VI was crowned with the pomp and ceremony that only the English can mount. Here are the final moments as reported live.

[Announcer/News Reporter]

The high and mighty Prince Albert Frederick Arthur George is now become our only lawful and rightful liege, Lord George vi, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the British dominions beyond the sea King.

[Narrator/Documentary Host]

Radio news reporting was growing in stature. The march towards World War II began to accelerate. By 1937, the cauldron was simmering as England's Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, went to Munich.

[Announcer/News Reporter]

This is Max Jordan calling from Munich, Germany. It is now eight minutes to 2am local time exactly 17 minutes ago, Premier Chamberlain of England, Premier Dalabe of France was of the assembly room at the first palace here. Benito Mussolini, the Duchy of Italy followed him shortly afterwards to catch his special train for Italy. The Peak 4 conference of Munich has come to a formal close.

[Historical Reenactor/Actor]

After my visits to Germany, I realized vividly how Herr Hitler feels that he must champion other Germans. He told me privately.

[King Edward VIII]

And last night he repeated publicly that

[Historical Reenactor/Actor]

after the Sudeten German question is settled, that is the end of Germany's territorial claims in Europe.

[Narrator/Documentary Host]

As the United States became aware of the fallacy of peace in our time, radio news reporting polished its techniques, gained in wisdom and began to take its place as the recorder of living history. On the spot, news coverage came of age. And from the archives of the National Broadcasting Company comes an example of radio news reporting at its very best.

[NBC Broadcaster]

Ladies and gentlemen, the National Broadcasting Company again this morning brings you a special broadcast from the Navy yard at Portsmouth, N.H. 11 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean near White Island Light, the United States Navy has concentrated ships and equipment in an attempt to rescue 59 officers and men trapped in the submarine Squalus. The submarine rescue ship Falcon reached the scene about two hours ago and those two hours have been occupied in dropping its moorings anchoring the ship above the spot where the squalus went down. Naval officers here at Portsmouth say they are optimistic concerning the results of rescue operations. Apparently the first attempt to reach the Saucon submarine and its crew will be made in the Navy's rescue chamber, an 18 foot metal cylinder in which the divers are protected by compressed air. Down at the 240 foot level where the squalus rests. The chamber will be attached to the submarine hatch and crew members may enter at 8 or 10 at a time for the ascent to the surface. On The Falcon are 22 of the Navy's expert divers and earlier this morning 13 other divers put out from the Navy yard aboard a fast Coast Guard patrol ship. It was just 23 and a half hours ago that the square Squalus submerged on what was to been the routine dive below. An hour later, when the submarine's commander, Lt. Oliver Naquin, failed to report his return to the surface, the sister ship Sculpin put out from Portsmouth near White Island Light. The Sculpin sounded a distress smoke signal shot from the squalifs and a few minutes later the crew found a signal boy carrying a telephone cable to the submerged ship. The cable snapped, but not until Lieutenant McQueen had reported the after chambers filled with water. That was the last communication until last night when signals notified the sculpin that conditions on the squalus were good but cold. And now at the microphone beside me is Bill Eddy, NBC television engineer and the former lieutenant in the Navy's submarine service. Bill, I think first of all that most everybody is asking the question, what will be the procedure at the scene of the rescue operation?

[Submarine Expert/Bill Eddy]

Well, Chick, the Falcon is here, as you know, and she is now engaged in laying down her four anchors preparatory to mooring directly over the stricken submarine. The next step will be to drop shrapnels into the deck for guidelines. And down these guidelines the first diver will probably descend. He will make a preliminary observation, report to the surface and get his orders. Then a diving stage will be lowered, bringing one or more additional divers to assist in anchoring the salvage chamber to the torpedo room.

[NBC Broadcaster]

Hand on the question. All of us are anxious, of course, to know how long can a modern submarine remain submerged safely?

[Submarine Expert/Bill Eddy]

Well, under normal conditions, at least a week. But we have no knowledge of what the conditions are out there on the bottom.

[NBC Broadcaster]

Well, could you possibly tell our listeners what might be going on down in that sunken vessel? From your experience with submarines, what would you say the men are doing?

[Submarine Expert/Bill Eddy]

Well, first of all, it is pitch black because they appear to be unable to use the forward battery. Lieutenant Naquin has no doubt ordered all hands to lie down in their bunks and cover up so they won't use too much oxygen.

[NBC Broadcaster]

We've heard that the ship is in about 240ft of water. Is that an excessive depth? Or in other words, is it going to be a difficult dive?

[Submarine Expert/Bill Eddy]

Well, 240ft means 105 pounds per square inch. Yes, it's a dangerous dive, but a possible one.

[NBC Broadcaster]

All right, thank you very much, Billetti. This special events broadcast has come to you from press headquarters in the Navy yard at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where rescue operations are in progress to lift the submarine squalus from the floor of the Atlantic. Keep tuned to your NBC station for latest developments.

[Narrator/Documentary Host]

The acid test of this newborn technique gained in stature in the months that followed by bringing history live at the moment it was happening into the living rooms of America. It was as though destiny was clearing the decks for action. In 1939, Spain fell to insurgent Franco. Pope Pius XI completed his tasks on earth, and Pius XII became spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. The Republic of Czechoslovakia was dissolved. Italy invaded Albania. The New York World's Fair opened. The name Danzig came into the news on September 1, 1939.

[Adolf Hitler (Actor)]

Those assembled arise and stand to greet the arrival of the German Fuhrer. The applause greets the fuel who has just arrived in the call opera house to address the Reichstag which has been called an extraordinary session. We are expecting that prime minister Girling in a very few moments will open formally the session in the Reichstag. Danzig was and is a German city. All these regions have only Germany to thank for their cultural development. D I told the Polish ambassador three weeks ago that if situation continued as it was, if don were persecuted and were it were attempted by Poland to ruin dant economically, the situation could not be tolerated.

[Submarine Expert/Bill Eddy]

We interrupt this broadcast of Adolf Hitler's

[Adolf Hitler (Actor)]

speech just momentarily to report a dispatch

[Submarine Expert/Bill Eddy]

from Paris which says that premier D

[Narrator/Documentary Host]

of France has now called the French

[NBC Broadcaster]

council of Ministers for an emergency meeting

[Submarine Expert/Bill Eddy]

which is to take place just 10

[Adolf Hitler (Actor)]

minutes from now at 5:30am Eastern Daylight Time.

[Narrator/Documentary Host]

Then From London on September 3, Neville Chamberlain sorrowfully made this report to the world.

[Historical Reenactor/Actor]

I am speaking to you from the cabinet room to 10 Downing street this morning, the British ambassador in Berlin handed the German government a final note stating that unless we heard from them by 11 o' clock that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland, a state of war would exist between us. I have tried tell you now that no such undertaking has been received and that consequently this country is at war with Germany.

[Narrator/Documentary Host]

Franklin Delano Roosevelt recognized the peril to America and worked closely with England's new prime minister, Winston Churchill.

[King Edward VIII]

President Roosevelt wrote out a verse to me in his own handwriting from Longfellow. Sail on, O ship of state Sail on, O Union Strong and great Humanity with all its fears, with all the hopes of future years Is hanging breathless on thy fate. What is the answer that I shall give in your name to this great man? Give us the tools and we will finish the job.

[Announcer/News Reporter]

Sam. Ra.

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