One important contribution that Les Reed (Obituary, 22 April) made to cultural history was his instrumental hit Man of Action, released on his own Chapter One label in 1970, credited to the Les Reed Orchestra.
This is a significant and familiar tune to those of us who listened enthusiastically to pirate radio ships on our transistor radios in the early 70s, or at least to those stations that kept broadcasting despite the UK’s Marine Broadcasting Offences Act of 1967. It was played constantly on the pirate radio ship Radio Northsea (Nordsee) International (RNI). It became the station theme tune, and was played at least hourly, often with a station announcement being read out over the music. It was played continuously while mayday calls were being made while the RNI ship, the Mebo 2, was being attacked and set ablaze on 15 May 1971. It conjures memories of carefree, music-filled youthful days. I still have my copy of the 45rpm single.
Jim Breeds
Hastings, East Sussex
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