THE TROCADERO SYDNEY
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

The Trocadero or "The Troc" was an Art Deco dance palace and restaurant designed by architects Robertson and Marks and built in the 1930s on the western side of George Street, Sydney, south of Bathurst Street. It was opened by its founder and owner Jim C. Bendrodt, a well-known dance entrepreneur on 3 April 1936. There were marble floors and polished granite walls in the foyer. Large relief murals of famous dancers decorated its walls. It had a shell shaped bandstand complete with coloured lights. A scarlet carpet containing a pattern of fleurs-de-lis, picked out in gold, black and cream covered the foyer area, three sides of the auditorium surrounding the dance floor and the floor area of the bandstand itself.

The Trocadero in Sydney

It was a favourite haunt for the many American service personnel who were either based in Sydney or were there on leave. Swing, jazz and the jitterbug were the favourites of the Americans. Chief Petty Officer Artie Shaw and his 20 piece US Navy band played at the Trocadero for Australian servicemen on the afternoon of Sunday 3 October 1943 and for U.S. personnel later that night.

The "All Girl Trocadero Band" was led by Frank Coughlin. When Frank Coughlin played the Johnny Ray song "Crying" he would squeeze a flower pinned on his coat which was actually a small water pistol. Those who were standing close would get slightly wet!!

There was a milk bar and two refreshment bars located at the Trocadero which sold non-alcoholic drinks and specialty sundaes. There was no alcohol served at these bars.

Robert V. Moody of the 57th Squadron shared this info with me about his visit to the Trocadero whilst on leave in Sydney in June 1944:-

"When we got to Sydney we stayed at the Imperial Hotel in Kings Cross. I still have the receipt; paid 4 pounds, 5 shillings for a weeks stay. Did that bed feel good! Went to the Trocadero that night."

Note:- The 57th Squadron mentioned above may possibly have been the 57th Troop Carrier Squadron.

REFERENCES

"Drifting Through Stories - Research: The Trocadero Sydney 1930s and 1940s" by Rowena Sierant

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 5 April 2022

This page last updated 05 April 2022