South Yorkshire Times, February 3rd, 1951
“It’s Magic” From Korea and Malaya
Thurnscoe Sailor’s Call, For Dance Tune
A request from 18-year-old Ordinary Seaman “Bill” Southall, 51, Hanover Street, Thurnscoe, serving aboard R.M.8 Mauritius, somewhere in the Persian Gulf, for the tune “It’s Magic” for his girl friend, Miss Margaret Shaw, was played at a recent dance of Dearne Labour Party, in the Baths Hall
The request for the tune, of which Bill is very fond, went by letter to the host and hostess of the Municipal dances, Mr and Mrs J B. Ward. In his message he said “I used to be a regular attender at the Baths both for dancing and swimming I wonder if you would do me a special favour and play the tune, It’s Magic” for a very special friend of mine, who I am sure will be at the dance.”
He finished his letter by saying: ” I was lucky enough to have been home last year, but I am afraid I could not make it this year! ‘
Bill, only son of Mr and Mrs. H. Southall, joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15, shortly after leaving Thurnscoe Hill Modern School He spent two years training before being posted to the frigate “Mauritius ‘ He realised a life’s ambition on being accepted for the Navy.
The “Mauritius” has been patrolling the Korean and Malayan coasts, but is now somewhere in the Persian Gulf. While in Australia Bill posted a food parcel to his mother, who received it on Christmas Day.
Bill, who has not been home since last Christmas, has been informed that he will now have to serve two and a half years abroad.
One of his main pastimes is boxing. While Stationed in Scotland he was fly-weight champion of his unit, and gained his “colours” in that sport. He first learned how to box at Hickleton Main under the direction of Mr. George Gibbs He has had several fights while he has been out In the Far East.
Bill receives the “South Yorkshire Times’ every week from his mother.