On Wednesday the 4th of September 2002, morning mists cleared over Milton Bryan as if signifying years of secrecy being lifted.
At last, the fascinating history of this handsome building was revealed. And its all thanks to John Taylor, the man who decided to open the history books and commemorate the incredible story of the people who worked at Milton Bryan. Those people played a huge part in the War effort, yet their story was shrouded in secrecy for 60 years...
As a plaque commemorating Milton Bryan was un-veiled for the first time, Grindelwald Productions spoke to John about Milton Bryan and the commemoration event.


 

     John Taylor

Q: What happened at Milton Bryan during WW2?

"Basically, this was a propaganda centre. In the early stages of the War it was quite a fragmented organization but as it grew in importance and size they needed a central Headquarters and Milton Bryan was the place chosen and this particular studio building then became the Headquarters.

There were lots of activities going on here; radio broadcasts, production of leaflets and booklets made to be air-dropped over enemy territory.
There was also (towards D-Day) a specialized German newspaper produced here. The site was specially extended to accommodate all the personnel necessary to complete the paper. This was then printed off at the Luton News presses and loaded onto American Air force B-17 aircraft and dropped over the German group concentrations during the invasion."

Q:  How big a part did the station play in the overall War effort?

A: It is only now becoming realized what sort of effect it really did have... At the time, nothing much was known about the studio apart from the people who worked here. But now its become apparent that through the Radio broadcasts and the material that was transmitted from here it did have a big effect. Especially in the latter stages of the War when German moral was beginning to crumble.

Q: How does it feel now the Station is getting commemoration and recognition seeing as it was almost unknown for nearly 60 years?

"Its a source of satisfaction because I only came across it by matter of chance in a local history book that set the seed. Then I became more and more interested in the subject and more information became known. When we had a substantial amount of information the opportunity to produce the website came along which was the ideal medium to get the story across. And as a nice finale part of the funds for the website were left-over so we commissioned the plaque. Which now gives any visitors to the site a general indication to what the building was used for and if they need further information they can click onto the website."

Q: What does Milton Bryan signify to you?

"It signifies a great amount of effort put in by so many people during the War who had to remain anonomous and yet until now their contribution has been recognized. So its a source of satisfaction that their part of the story is now being told."



Our thanks to John for providing us with this interview.



Report & Interview by Nicolas Rixon