Benjamin Britten conducting the Suffolk (Long Island) Friends of Music Orchestra

1 portrait of Benjamin Britten

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Benjamin Britten conducting the Suffolk (Long Island) Friends of Music Orchestra

by Unknown photographer
snapshot print, 1941
5in. x 4 1/4in. (145 mm x 109 mm)
Photographs Collection
NPG x15196

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Britten became musical director of the Suffolk Friends of Music Symphony Orchestra, on Long Island, in 1940 and is shown here conducting the orchestra in 1941.

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Events of 1941back to top

Current affairs

The Blitz continues with sustained Luftwaffe attacks on British cities. As the bombing went on the urban population got used to the black out, the air raid sirens and nights spent in shelter. The idea emerged (to some extent a myth) of the 'spirit of the Blitz' where people pulled together united, disregarding traditional class and social divisions.

Art and science

Frank Whittle demonstrates the first test-flight of a plane powered by jet propulsion. Although the German, Hans von Ohain, built the first jet plane, Whittle was the first to patent a design for the jet engine (in 1930), and his subsequent work helped to advance the technology and made Britain leaders in the field.

International

The Soviet Union and America join the Allies. The Soviet Union was forced to switch sides after Hitler attacked in June 1941, reneging the Soviet-Nazi pact. Six months later the US Navy was attacked by Japan at Pearl Harbour. The following day the USA declared war on Japan, and three days later Germany and Italy declared war on America.

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