Roll of drums: Worcester was the site of the very first radio broadcasting station in the world. This Royal Engineers’ unit became vital as the only source of wireless operators to provide crucial communications on the battlefields of Europe. The wireless instructors at Norton Barracks included men who later became leading figures in British broadcasting. “This could probably be claimed as the very first broadcasting station in the world, although its audience was restricted to those who had Royal Engineers’ signals equipment.” Way in the distance was Forces Favourites during the Second World War with Jean Metcalf and Cliff Michelmore.