00:00 Stories about discovering meaning of ‘queer’, and alternative terms. About first longer-term relationship in Johannesburg after return from war. Great gay society in Johannesburg. Describes bars at that time: Carlton Hotel. It was known what was going on: seemed very open. Difficult to tell difference between gay and straight bars because women not allowed in bars.

08:13 Describes ways he recognised if another man sexually interested in him, e.g. lingering look, but sometimes you could make a mistake, as with Keith, though later they became close friends. Keith was in sexual relationship with Winnie, MH’s cashier when he was theatre manager in Salisbury, Rhodesia: she’d had gay husband and so understood. Keith, Winnie and MH went about together: Keith was bisexual and slept with both.

11:42 Back in South Africa after the war, MH worked in films. Got a job as theatre manager and was sent to Rhodesia, where he met Keith. MH also doing ballet, having passed examinations at Royal Academy of Dance. Three boys in the ballet, all gay. Stories about dancers; others included entertainer, broadcaster, policeman: ‘a complete circle of queers’ in Salisbury, knew each other, all single.

15:17 No pressure on MH to get married, but did so. About MH’s marriage, big mistake of his life, lasted three years until wife’s discovery he was gay: quick exit from South Africa. People in village had taken it for granted they would get married, so got caught up in it. Wedding in Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk [Dutch Reformed Church] with best woman instead of best man. Wife walked in on MH drunk and making love: end of family, made quick exit. Doesn’t know if still married or divorced. Through that, MH got away and had a happy life.

18:29 Joined Merchant Navy, mentions he’s writing poem about three phases of his life: as seaman, as actor, as musician. Describes how he left on Dutch ship the Rijswojk, worked as ship’s guard in Durban, describes how he stowed away on Rijswojk’s second voyage, about the journey, how the captain treated him, taken on as deck hand, how he obtained necessary papers: no problem as born in Edinburgh. Arrival in UK 1958.

25:53 Recap about work in Johannesburg after war. How during war in Europe he kept everyone cheerful playing accordion and singing. In London worked at Fortnum and Mason for 3 years. Played in pubs at night at the weekend. Then worked for The Bedlams, musical clowns: travelled the country including Scotland. Other performers included Harry Corbett and Sooty. Worked with The Bedlams for more than 3 years, but then Selective Employment Tax caused drastic cut in demand for entertainment.