Under a sky filled with stars, the Recorded Programmes Department set up an open microphone on the roof of Broadcasting House, capturing the sounds of air raids until silence fell after the last enemy aircraft left. As the staff listened, Reception, stationed at the main desk, provided commentary about the events and reminisced about past experiences, drawing parallels between the present chaos and memories of war. His reflections were shared with junior staff, who gathered nearby, still engaged in playful activities amid the tension.
While the war raged on, the atmosphere on the roof was a mix of work and camaraderie. Juniors from the department joined in as they learned about rifle parts, and the sounds of the Regent's Park guns resonated around them. This close-knit environment fostered social interactions, including poker games played for tinny prizes like margarine coupons. The scene poignantly captured the blend of normalcy and disruption during a time of conflict, illustrating how life continued amidst the chaos of war.