The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello to All,
I recently acquired a Gramophone/HMV record (10-inch, 78 RPM) produced for the American Red Cross. The group is the Double HH Cowboys and the label says they are soldiers of the US Army. One of the tunes - Pistol Packin' Mama - dates the record to 1943 at the earliest. And that is about all I know about this record! My guess is this was produced in England during WW2, or shortly thereafter, by the Red Cross for entertainment of Allied troops.

Can anyone tell me anymore about the record, perhaps based on the catalog numbers (matrix numbers?) listed on the label? Also, does anyone have information on the Double HH Cowboys? Were they an informal group of talented soldiers, or perhaps recognized musicians that were caught up in the draft? Any information is greatly appreciated, and my sincere thanks in advance!

That's a good mystery.
After searching 30 minutes, I do not see anything on the internet that offers a clue.

James.

Yes, that is interesting and info is not readily coming. HHC in the army stands for Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), which I could see shortened to Double "H" Cowboys for an unofficial group of young men and the Red Cross cutting a record for group morale. I believe HHC is also where band units are generally assigned although I don't know at what level - battalion, regiment, army.

A google search for "WWII american red cross recorded music double h cowboys" produced this AI response:

The Double HH Cowboys were a group of soldiers in the US Army during World War II. They are associated with a 10-inch 78RPM record produced by the American Red Cross and the Gramophone (HMV) company. The record features the song “Pistol Packin’ Mama,” which dates back to 1943. While there isn’t much information available about the Double HH Cowboys, it’s likely that they were either an informal group of musically talented soldiers or perhaps recognized musicians who were caught up in the draft. The name “Double HH” remains somewhat mysterious, but it’s an intriguing piece of wartime musical history.

Pretty much a plagarism of your original posting restated as information rather than request and seemingly it's only source.

A bit despising, as 0MC was HMV matrix code for 10" recordings made in Calcutta. There nearest one is 18763, from 1942. Numbers in this series jump in blocks. There are only 162 known matrices in this 0mc/2mc series. It is probably unrelated to these records.

Roaring20's, Grampaphone, Inigo:
Thanks to all of you for your replies and especially your time in searching. The Calcutta (India) is a great lead as US troops were there in WW2, and the Headquarters possibility is another good angle!

I posted a similar inquiry on the US Militaria Forum hoping someone there might have information on the military side but have had no replies yet. I'll post any information that comes up.

I am a bit concerned a bit concerned about the future of mankind as far as information sourcing if AI is going to be quoting me!