THE RAF set up their own dance band in the 1940s to combat the glamour of the American airforce groups and to boost morale in wartorn Britain.

The musicians were officially known as No 1 RAF Dance Band but their popularity soon earned them the nick name of The Squadronaires.

The Glenn Miller-style band is flying in to Swindon’s MECA in Regent Circus on Sunday April 1.

The big band sound including music from Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Benny Goodman is the hallmark of this accomplished band of brothers.

Today the band is led by vocalist Mark Porter, former Syd Lawrence Orchestra singer, but the first leader who took the band to the Isle of Man after the war was Ronnie Aldrich. They spent 12 years as resident band at the Villa Marina.

After Ronnie died the band came under the leadership of saxophonist Harry Bence and continued to perform until 1997. After his death it was trumpet player Greg Francis who took over. Greg was the bandleader of the Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra and appeared in the movie Memphis Belle.

Under Mark the New Squadronaires Orchestra pays tribute to that original wartime orchestra, dressed in RAF uniforms and including songs from the Squadcats, it’s own version of the small group playing Dixieland music.

Tickets to see The Squadronaires in Swindon are £12 in advance and £15 on the door in aid of the Swindon Goldenhar Support Group. They are available from 01793 495527.