Radio de Victor Silvester

Victor Marlborough Silvester, OBE (25 February 1900 ? 14 August 1978) was a English dancer, composer and dance band leader whose records sold 75 million copies from the 1930s through to the 1980s, and a significant figure in the development of ballroom dance during the first half of the 20th century. Silvester was born the second son of a vicar in Wembley, Middlesex. He was educated at Ardingly College, St. John's School, Leatherhead and John Lyon School, Harrow from all of which he absconded. In 1915 he enlisted in the British Army during the First World War. He was only 15 years old and had to lie about his age in order to get in. His true age was not discovered until he was wounded in 1917 and discharged. During his time in the army, Silvester was ordered to take part in the execution by firing squad of five British soldiers for desertion, a task he found deeply distressing.