I just read a fascinating story about Peter Butterworth.
Apparently he was a POW in World War II. He escaped from one near Frankfurt but was recaptured and sent to Stalag Luft III which was the basis for the Great Escape. He was involved in the plot and was due to go but then decided to stay. Apparently though he sent many intricately coded messages back to British Intelligence. Along with Talbot Rothwell they persuaded the Germans to allow them to build a camp theatre.
Quote: Chappers @ 28th December 2023, 7:01 PMI just read a fascinating story about Peter Butterworth.
Apparently he was a POW in World War II. He escaped from one near Frankfurt but was recaptured and sent to Stalag Luft III which was the basis for the Great Escape. He was involved in the plot and was due to go but then decided to stay. Apparently though he sent many intricately coded messages back to British Intelligence. Along with Talbot Rothwell they persuaded the Germans to allow them to build a camp theatre.
Where did you read about him?
Yes. Amazing stuff. He met Talbot Rothwell (who wrote the later Carry On films) while he was in there. The story of the show they staged as cover for a successful escape attempt was later filmed in the 1950s (not The Great Escape, a different one). Ironically, Butterworth who was an actor by then, was rejected when he went up for the role. Despite being there during the actual event, PB wasn't considered right for the part. Which seems a bit tough.
Quote: Chris Hallam @ 30th December 2023, 8:10 AMWhere did you read about him?
Yes. Amazing stuff. He met Talbot Rothwell (who wrote the later Carry On films) while he was in there. The story of the show they staged as cover for a successful escape attempt was later filmed in the 1950s (not The Great Escape, a different one). Ironically, Butterworth who was an actor by then, was rejected when he went up for the role. Despite being there during the actual event, PB wasn't considered right for the part. Which seems a bit tough.
Where else but the ever factual Daily Mail.
