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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Lili Marlene
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The outstanding song of World War II. Based on a poem by a German soldier in World War I (Lili Marlene was the girl waiting for him outside the barrack gate), it was set to music in 1938. It became a favourite with the German troops – particularly in north Africa, where it was adopted (from German radio broadcasts) by the British 8th army. The best-known version in both languages was the recording by a German-born American, Marlene Dietrich – the name Marlene, shared with Lili, was merely a happy coincidence.
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