The Butlin's Memorabilia Website Redcoat Wall
Norman Bradford had a personal friendship with Billy Butlin, having encountered him at a London nightclub. Billy Butlin extended a job offer to Norman to aid in the establishment of the first Butlins camp, allowing Norman to utilise his engineering skills in Skegness. On the day of the camp's opening, Norman was present at the train station to welcome the new visitors and share information about Butlins. That night, while at the club, Billy Butlin realised that the guests were not participating in the activities and seemed uninterested.
This was not what Billy Butlin had envisioned for his guests, prompting him to ask Norman to step onto the stage and break the ice. On this memorable night, history would document the creation of the phrase "Hi-De-Hi" and the very first instance of Butlin's magic coming to life. The next day, Norman was asked to help source a uniform for a team of entertainers following the successful evening. He returned with a blazer in the camp's colours, but Billy Butlin indicated that it did not align with the vision for this new department. That was when the Redcoat blazer was introduced, and with Billie Ditchfield's help, the iconic Redcoat began its journey.
The photograph of Billie Ditchfield is taken from a vital sheet from the early history of Butlin's. This sheet is referred to as "At your service" and showcases Billy Butlin (who was not yet a Sir at this time) along with Norman Bradford, Bunny Brooks, Captain Bond, and Billie Ditchfield (among others). This demonstrates that Billie Ditchfield was involved with the Butlins company from its inception and is regarded as a significant contributor to be highlighted on this essential sheet.
The history of Billie Ditchfield is closely linked to the Redcoats from the early days of the company. As Norman Bradford and Bunny Brooks wore the Red Blazer for the first time, Billie played a key role in designing and creating the first Redcoats uniform. While the entertainers illustrated the importance of the Redcoat on stage, Billie was busy in the background, emphasising the uniform's significance and its connection to the Butlins name.
An important chapter in the history of Butlin's is marked by Billie Ditchfield, who is recognized as one of the first two female Redcoats. Having dedicated herself to the uniform's design, Billie would later wear the blazer she played a role in creating. Being a Redcoat at Butlin's came naturally to Billie, as she was instrumental in crafting memorable experiences for many guests. The second female Redcoat to don the blazer at Butlin's is Kay Bury.
As a camper in 1936, Kay witnessed all the offerings and felt the enchanting spirit of Butlin's. She fell in love with Butlin's and everything it had to offer. After waiting for nine years, Kay started her job at Butlin's Filey in 1945, where Rocky Mason narrates in Butlin's Memories, "In a conversation we had, the camp was half filled with holidaymakers and half with troops." Working as an entertainment manager secretary, and hostess, Kay Bury's tale at Butlin's was just beginning.
As Kay's career advanced at Butlin's, she emerged as one of the first two female Redcoats. Ascending to the role of Chief Hostess, Kay served at every camp throughout the summer season. During the winter, she would head to the hotels to continue spreading the Butlin's magic. With her desk in the head office, Kay's journey and engagement with Butlin's was always a busy one, as there was always much to accomplish in crafting new memories for the campers.
Kay's role also extended beyond the holiday camps and hotels. At the Butlins Reunion at the Royal Albert Hall, she was invited to manage the VIP business attendees and celebrities who were present. The efforts she made within the Butlins company had a considerable influence when a bar in Butlins Clacton was launched, named in her honour as "Kay's Bar." The story of Kay Bury is certainly one of wonder and conveys a powerful and meaningful representation of Butlin's magic.
As one of the earliest individuals to wear the Redcoat blazer, Mr Brooks helped enhance the campers' experience. Additionally, he was a member of the team responsible for building the Skegness Butlin's Holiday camp from 1935 to 1936.
Rocky Mason's story is characterised by a strong devotion to the name and its connotations. His journey commenced at Butlin's Filey, where he became a source of inspiration, helping countless people to enhance their careers.
Babs is an enthusiastic supporter of Butlins and Sir Billy Butlin, as her story began when she was a camper with her parents. She would go on to become a Redcoat, striving to deliver the Butlin's magic to everyone.
Chris is a close friend of the Butlins Memorabilia website and continues to offer his knowledge of the company we all love. Working as a Redcoat in the Butlins Hotel, Chris's story.
The story of Les Edward and Butlin's is an amazing read. A friend of this website, Les, continues to offer his knowledge and has some of the most interesting stories from his time in Butlins.
Karen worked alongside Mr Rocky Mason and also with her mother at Butlins as Redcoat.
Paul worked at Butlins Somerwest World in 1991, 1992 and 1993 as a Redcoat
Rita Lidgard was a Redcoat in Minehead in 1966.
Known as Redcoat Worzel, Martin worked at Minehead from 1990 to 1992. I personally remember seeing him during my time at Butlins, and I am thankful for allowing me to add you to the website.
Known as Redcoat Dippy, John worked at Butlins as a lifeguard, Redcoat, sound engineer and stage manager. I am thankful to John, as he was working at Butlins when I went there for a holiday
Working at Butlin's Somerwest World, Tony would help create so many memories for many customers, including me.
Robert Dexter worked at Butlins Somerwest World in 1993. Please click on the button below to read more.
Pamela was a Redcoat from 1952 to 1958. Pamela's experience included Clacton in 1952, AYR in 1955, Grosvenor Hotel in 1952 and 1955, Butlins Brighton Hotel and the Royal Albert Hall in 1953.
Joe was a Redcoat in Butlins Skegness and was known as "Redcoat Joe". Joe worked alongside his best friend, Redcoat Stephen. They both came up with a catchphrase that would turn out to be quite popular.
"Me and my best friend Redcoat Stephen, had the catchphrase Come On! We shoehorned it into almost every show we hosted; it took off both in the team and in the guests."
Stephen worked in Butlins Skegness and would love to find a way to encourage the dancing mood.
"Come on, come on! Always finding an excuse to play rave tunes around the resort"
Karen worked in Butlins Minehead during the Butlins Holiday Worlds era. Known as Somerwest World, Karen would be known as Redcoat Dawsie. Karen worked at Somerwest World at Christmas and New Year 1989 and the season of 1990
"One of the happiest times of my life 🥰"
Lynne's Butlins story comes from two roles at Butlins Filey. Working as a lifeguard during the daytime, Lynne would change her uniform and become Redcoat Lynne Willis. Lynne would work for Butlins in 1978 and 1979.
"Met some fabulous people throughout my ‘Red’ journey. Would do it again if I were 50 years younger and it were possible! 😘"
Jamie worked at Butlins Minehead during the Butlins Holiday Worlds era, when it was known as Butlin's Somerwest World
"Had the best time of my life "
I have no further information about this Redcoat, can you help?
Quote: Photo A
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Quote: Photo B
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
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This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Quote: Photo D
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Quote: Photo E
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Quote: Photo F
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Pam (Story link)
Quote: Photo G
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Pam (Story link)
Quote: Photo H
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Pam (Story link)
Quote: Photo I
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Pam (Story link)
Quote: Photo J
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Pam (Story link)
Quote: Photo K
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Pam (Story link)
Quote: Photo L
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Pam (Story link)
Quote: Photo M
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Pam (Story link)
Quote: Photo N
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Angela (Story link)
Quote: Photo O
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Angela (Story link)
Quote: Photo P
This Redcoat is featured in my collection; however, I have no name. If anyone could get in touch and let me know, I would be very grateful.
Photo donated by Angela (Story link)
Quote: Photo Q
