1908 - 1981
Alvar Lidell was responsible for many world-changing broadcasts, including the announcement of the abdication of Edward VIII. Lidell also read the 1939 ultimatum to Germany from 10 Downing Street urging it to cease all aggressive activities and to withdraw from Poland.
He later introduced Neville Chamberlain's sombre announcement that Britain was at war with Germany. His opening remark, “Here is the News, and this is Alvar Lidell reading it” became a inadvertent yet reasuring catchphrase during hostilities.
Alvar Lidell was responsible for many world-changing broadcasts, including the announcement of the abdication of Edward VIII. Lidell also read the 1939 ultimatum to Germany from 10 Downing Street urging it to cease all aggressive activities and to withdraw from Poland.
He later introduced Neville Chamberlain's sombre announcement that Britain was at war with Germany. His opening remark, “Here is the News, and this is Alvar Lidell reading it” became a inadvertent yet reasuring catchphrase during hostilities.
Audio
Midnight News – BBC 1940
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