Harold Stevens (broadcaster) facts for kids
Harold Raphael Gaetano Stevens (born May 4, 1883 – died January 1, 1961) was a British soldier. He was also a famous broadcaster for the BBC during World War II. Many people in Italy knew him as Il Colonello Buonasera, which means 'The Good Evening Colonel'.
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Early Life and Military Service
Harold Stevens was born in Naples, Italy. He went to school at Beaumont College and then to the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich, England.
He served in the British army during World War I. He worked with the main command in places like Gallipoli and Turkey. For his bravery and service, he received several awards. These included the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and the French Croix de Guerre. He also received awards from Greece.
Diplomat and Broadcaster
Stevens' mother was Italian, so he spoke perfect Italian. In 1931, he became a Military Attaché at the British embassy in Rome. This meant he was a military expert working with the British ambassador in Italy.
He returned to London in 1935 and retired from the army in 1936. After that, he worked for the Home Office, helping with air raid precautions.
In 1940, a big change happened. He joined the BBC European Service. From 1940 to 1945, he broadcast messages to Italy for a program called Radio Londra.
Il Colonello Buonasera
Colonel Stevens became very famous in Italy. He was known as Il Colonello Buonasera because he always started his broadcasts with "Good Evening."
His five-minute broadcasts were very important for the war effort. They helped to fight against the propaganda from the Fascist government in Italy. They also delivered secret messages to the Italian resistance fighters.
Many Italians listened to his broadcasts five nights a week at 10 PM. Each broadcast began with the famous opening notes of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. This music likely stood for 'V' for Victory in Morse code.
The Fascist government tried hard to stop his broadcasts. This showed how much impact they had. When British soldiers landed in Sicily in 1943, they saw "Viva Stivens" written on walls. They didn't understand it, but for Italians, Stevens was the most famous British person after Winston Churchill.
Family and Later Life
Harold Stevens married Bertha Gordon in 1905. They had three sons: John, Charles, and Geoffrey. They also had a daughter named Helen. Bertha passed away in 1947. Later, Stevens married Helen Elisabeth Fraser Gordon.
Colonel Stevens was a very religious man. He was a devoted Catholic and attended Mass every day. He kept strong connections with Rome and the Papacy. He also became a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis.
Colonel Stevens died on January 1, 1961, in Bournemouth, England. A special church service was held for him at Westminster Cathedral.
Images for kids
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Colonel H R G Stevens in 1935.
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Colonel H R G Stevens in his later years.
