We do love reading quirky stories about the London Games of 1948 – and other Olympiads, too.

The 1948 Games, known as ‘the Austerity Games, have a very pleasing ‘make do and mend’ and Corinthian spirit to them – understandably, as the world was still recovering from World War II.

From the newspaper reports below, we love the story about the lost luggage of the French team, and their fears that they might have to parade before the King in their ‘town suits’ – hmm…and ‘town dresses’, too, presumably. Although the truck carrying the wine also disappeared, that ‘special wagon’ (to everyone’s great relief, no doubt) eventually turned up.

We also love the story about the ‘injured funny bone’ – which is no laughing matter.

Lastly, we really like the tone of Prime Minister’s welcoming message to the athletes, which truly captures the essence of what the Games are all about.

Hull Daily Mail – Thursday 29 July 1948

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000324/19480729/001/0001

Western Daily Press – Thursday 29 July 1948

Image © Northcliffe Media Limited. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000513/19480729/031/0003