Reginald Calvert

Reginald Calvert (died 1966) was the manager of The Fortunes pop group and singer Screaming Lord Sutch, and the owner of offshore pirate radio station Radio City. He was killed by Oliver Smedley owner of rival offshore station Radio Caroline, who was acquitted of murder on the grounds of self defence. He was buried on 1 July 1966 at St. Peter's, Dunchurch. Among mourners at the funeral were Screaming Lord Sutch and Pinkertons Assorted Colours group members.

The Radio City death

In June 1966 Radio Caroline embarked on a joint venture with rival pirate Radio City, which broadcast from a Second World War marine fort off the Kent coast, seven miles from Margate. One of the directors of Caroline, Major Oliver Smedley, agreed to pay for a new transmitter to relay Caroline's programmes from the fort, while Calvert, the owner of Radio City, would continue to run the operation but this time on behalf of Radio Caroline.

However, Radio Caroline then withdrew from the deal when it was heard that the government intended to prosecute those occupying the forts, which were still Crown property. Smedley, however, had received no payment from Calvert for the transmitter.

A raid on the Radio City fort was subsequently launched by Smedley, and the station's transmitter was put out of action. Calvert then visited Smedley's home to demand the departure of the raiders and the return of vital transmitter crystals. A violent struggle developed during which Smedley shot Calvert dead. During the subsequent trial, Smedley was acquitted on grounds of self-defence.

After the sensational death of Reg Calvert and lurid tales of real swashbuckling piracy, the British government brought in the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act (Marine & Etc. Broadcasting Offences Act) of 1967 to make offshore broadcasting a part of British criminal law in the United Kingdom. Radio City stopped broadcasting after Mrs Calvert appeared in court charged under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1947, as the station was said to be broadcasting within the 3 mile (5 km) limit. Radio City closed down shortly after Mrs Calvert lost the case.

ee also

Pirate Radio in Europe