Wissenswertes

During World War II, he first served as an officer in the 60th Rifles. His command of German got him posted to the Political Warfare Executive, where he was called upon to broadcast propaganda messages to enemy-occupied territories.

Wrote more than 200 songs.

He was awarded the M.B.E. (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queens 2002 Birthday Honours list for his services to BBC Radio Broadcasting and to Songwriting.

Actor, director, composer, lyricist, playwright and broadcaster, trained at the Webber-Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. On stage from 1933, he first came to note as a Shakespearean actor at the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park and the Old Vic.

Broadcast on radio from 1933, becoming an announcer for the BBC Empire Service (forerunner of the World Service) the following year.

Was a chairman of BBC television's Brains Trust (1955).

Hosted the radio show Thanks For the Memory from 1965.

His second marriage to actress Patricia Kirkwood produced daughters Kate, and Stacey, an actress.

Composed 'Maybe It's Because I'm a Londoner'.

Daughter Katherine Elizabeth born August 1987.

Hosted Radio's 'Thanks For the Memory'from 1965.

Daughter Stacey born 1946.

Hosted the BBC radio programme Thanks For the Memory from 1965.

Had a daughter by Pat Kirkwood.

Father, with Zoe Gail, of daughter Stacey Gregg.