Peter Butterworth: "Carry On" Star's Secret WW2 Story

The secret wartime story of "Carry On" star, Peter Butterworth.
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Peter Butterworth is best known for invariably playing a bumbling buffoon in the “Carry On films”.
Appearing in 16 of the classic and quirky British comedies his roles included Citizen Bidet (Kenneth William’s sidekick) in “Carry On Don’t Lose Your Head”, the money grabbing farmer, Mr. Fidler in “Carry on Camping” and missionary, Brother Belcher in probably my favourite: “Carry On Up the Khyber”.
But behind the comedy there is a secret story from World War 2.
Because Peter Butterworth was a pilot shot down, just after Dunkirk and a captive in German Prisoner of War camps for 5 years.
During which time he escaped digging a tunnel using a soup spoon, was a member of British intelligence unit MI9 and was involved in the two famous break outs from Stalag Luft III POW camp, both of which were made into films:“The Wooden Horse.” And “The Great Escape.”
In fact, his wartime story only came to light long after he died.
The little-known war time story of Peter Butterworth.
Peter Butterworth
1915 Born - Bramhall, Cheshire
1940 Pilot, Fleet Air Arm.
June 1940 Shot down over Netherlands & captured
1941 Failed escape, sent to Stalag Luft iii
1943 Wooden Horse Escape
1944 The Great Escape
1945 Liberated
1946 Married Janet Brown
1948 First movie break
1965 First of 16 "Carry On" movies
1978 Last movie
1979 Died
Buried at Danehill cemetery, East Sussex, England
Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:22 WW2 Pilot
2:17 Prisoner of War
3:06 Stalag Luft III
4:11 Wooden Horse Escape
7:46 The Great Escape
8:48 Espionage
9:46 Acting Career
10:43 Janet Brown & Peter Butterworth
12:07 Carry On films
13:31 Peter Butterworth Death
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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or KZbin animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[@oldfella3919]

I'm gobsmacked. I loved Peter Butterworth in the Carry-On films but had no idea as to his background and experiences. Still waters certainly run deep. My respects to Peter, another unsung British hero of WW2.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video,, glad you enjoyed it.

[@harryshriver6223]

What an intriguing and interesting story, I had no idea Mr. Butterworth led such a fascinating life and admired his bravery and courage. I am glad to be a part of helping bring this story to the world. Well done, amigo, and I need to watch Carry On soon.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@nanakay121]

Amigo 😅😅😅😆😆😆✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@Fred-px5xu]

An absolute winner! I enjoyed your video lecture on Mr Butterworth. Hero is word that falls short to describe his deeds; however, this mini documentary does justice to man. Thank you Sir . Oh.. Sir more please!

[@Rkolb2798]

All those great film actors from my childhood all sadly gone now , makes me feel old

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@davidcross8028]

Yeah I know the feeling. Rather upsetting at times.

[@keithroberts5611]

Me to, At least us old one's can remember when comedy was funny and none P/Correct, We've seen the best of the best, 🤣🇬🇧👍🙏

[@Rkolb2798]

@@keithroberts5611 that’s very true

[@Learn_Daily]

Jim Dale is still kicking

[@Valkanna.Nublet]

When I first heard that he had been refused a role for something he actually took part in because he 'didn't look the part' I laughed, but then I got annoyed because it shows that film companies are often too interested in pretty people and not ordinary people.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment.

[@wessexdruid7598]

It reminds me of Donald Pleasance, while filming 'The Great Escape'; who when trying to correct something was verbally abused by the director, not realising Donald had actually been a WW2 RAF POW. The US director was then firmly put in his place by the likes of Charles Bronson & James Garner, who also had war service.

[@Vic-ng8if]

@@wessexdruid7598 My favourite story was when Eisenhower went to visit Korea and went up to the line, asked some squaddies what they would like to have for Christmas and he was told 'To get the F out of here and go home' the soldier was Michael Caine lol.

[@nocturnal1147]

True and things can get even worse when America gets hold of history and changes everything good to them.

[@williamjohnson4117]

A similar thing happened to character actor Percy Herbert, who auditioned for a part in The Bridge on the River Kwai but was dismissed at the audition by David Lean as "not the type". Herbert apparently shouted, "What do you mean? I was there!" And for once, Lean backed down and cast him.

[@chuckwagon7354]

Peter's performance during that dinner party scene in Carry on up the Khyber was absolutely hilarious.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@jimmoore8943]

Legend

[@zippy5131]

As an ex serviceman 'Carry on Seargent'. But starring Mr. Butterworth 'Carry on Screaming' as Dectiective Constable Slobotham alongside Harry H Corbett.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Ha ha, you are biaised, but "Carry On Screaming" was hilarious (even if I was scared when I was a kid!)

[@adventussaxonum448]

"Frying tonight!"

[@jak1590]

Foul feet smell something Horrible

[@willtricks9432]

Great film, Script and performances.

[@mariaefelices6543]

Foul feet smell something horrible

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

Excellent video as usual! My late moms maiden name was Butterworth. One day my mom dropped a grape, and as it rolled across the floor, my dad quipped "The Grape Escape!" I still laugh at that one today.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Chuckling. Thanks for watching and I'm glad that you enjoyed it.

[@BsktImp]

Imagine doing so much during the war yet being passed over for a film about such episodes because "you don't look like someone who do such things"! Thanks for sharing Lt. Butterworth's story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@TeddyBear-ii4yc]

Yes, I didn't know this... and these guys would be the last to publish it. All these guys from this era had done their war service so it was a common thing and it woulda been tasteless to seek glory from it. From the earlier war Basil Radford carried a scar on his cheek while his peer Basil Rathbone served in the trenches.

[@mowvu5380]

I'm only 38 but i was made to watch all the carry on films as a kid. and i love them lol. so silly and harmless. what a legend peter butterworth is

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@mowvu5380]

@TheHistoryChap the pleasure is mine, thanks for creating it!

[@youtubeyoutube936]

Infamy has infamy they’ve all hit it for me

[@davidwhite4874]

Carry on Up the Khyber for me, too.

[@TheHistoryChap]

The Khyber Pass slightly smaller on location in Wales!

[@akajasonbourne]

Don't worry we'll save you some strawberry mousse

[@davidwhite4874]

@@TheHistoryChap Oooooh! Matron!

[@jon9021]

Come, come now brother belcher…

[@Nemesis-222]

Unlike you British, we are not tiffin-mad!

[@austenj4539]

In 'Carry On Camping', Peter played the part of the grasping and greedy campsite owner and I always enjoyed his line to Sid James in which he realised that £1 per tent could be extended to "per person". His facial expressions, as always, conveyed as much as any delivered line. Great, natural acting.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your interesting comments.

[@BLTwithMayo1]

Awesome, I didn't know this. I love that you are keeping our English culture alive.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@terryjacob8169]

I had no idea of Peter Butterworth's wartime experiences. Loved him when I was a kid in the 1950's. When my family moved to Crawley, Sussex, in 1956 he was very much our local celebrity, living in a big house on the edge of the neighbourhood, Ifield, that we'd moved to. For a couple of years after we'd moved there, he used to be a frequent visitor to our local shopping parade, always arriving in a two-seater Jaguar XK120 coupe. RIP Peter, another unsung hero of 'the greatest gerneration'.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story.

[@j.dmetalhead7517]

Peter was allways in the background in the Carry on films. For me his best role was as Detective constable Slowbottom in Carry on screaming (also my favourite carry on film)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@paulklee5790]

Foul Feet Smell Something Awful…

[@j.dmetalhead7517]

@@paulklee5790 Foul feet, smell somethin 'Orrible. Classic line from a classic film

[@akula9713]

Such a face filled with kindness and humour. Loved him the Carry on films😊 God bless him.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@franceswright3597]

Peter was very often on BBC tele when I was growing up; I always loved him as he had the ability to cheer people up, and somehow you knew he was a lovely person.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it

[@ronaldpainting5614]

What a hero, what an actor. Sadlly missed, thank goodness we can still see him on film.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@Katmando376]

Well done Chris "Carry on Sergeant" a real classic. Peter Butterworth a great man!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video

[@DaveAtkinsonBlackdogdave]

Yep, my favourite too. Watched it many many times.

[@Katmando376]

@@DaveAtkinsonBlackdogdave Personally I think the Carry On Series is a load of utter nonsense! Carry On Sergeant is such a classic with great actors!

[@ProfessorM-he9rl]

Thank you for this, it still amazes me to this day when stories like this are revealed. Total respect to Lt. Butterworth. Please more stories of those brave people who did amazing things before becoming normal TV/Stage stars that we loved to watch.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment.

[@NeilPatton1962]

Well I learnt something here. Thank you. Real heroes like Mr. Butterworth should never be forgotten, so telling and re-telling his story is an excellent contribution to the internet.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it

[@brianjones7907]

"Strawberry Moouse , Strawberry Moouse" Cracks me up every time , Favourites are up the Khyber , Doctor , Cleo , Camping , Sergeant , up the Jungle ..

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for your comment & for watching my video.

[@deanstuart8012]

Peter Butterworth was actually awarded the Mention in Despatches for his conduct as a prisoner of war. Although he didn't get a part in "The Wooden Horse", because of his role in the actual escape, one of the characters was renamed "Peter".

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment.

[@charliemanson4808]

What an amazing hidden past! So many of our entertainers from that time had interesting military service, Milligan, Seacombe, Bentine etc ohhh and Up The Khyber Pass has to be the best Carry On caper...the dinner scene was a brilliant satire on the stiff upper lip

[@charlieyerrell9146]

Many of our actors served in the war. Look them up.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment.

[@simonm7133]

So agree. The Khyber Carry on was the best one they ever did, partly because it was brilliant satire as well as the usual slapstick.

[@neilclark2245]

strawberry mousse!

[@craigmorgan8493]

I had the pleasure of meeting Airey Neave as a kid when he visited our school. He gave a brilliant talk and had some items with him that amazed us kids. A German Wehrmact belt buckle made out of soap and an officers belt made out of a shaved, stiffened blanket amongst others. As a child brought up on comics like the Victor and Commando mini books, as well as being a Lord Peter Flint spy, I was fascinated by the man.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to share your story.

[@davidtownsend3]

My father, Sergeant Pilot Kenneth Townsend, was shot down in his Hurricane over Belgium on 30th May 1940. He was badly burned on his face and head and spent several months in a Belgian convent hospital before being moved to a series of POW camps. He was in the same camp as Peter Butterworth, Rupert Davies and Talbot Rothwell. Jimmy Edwards was also there. My father took part in and played trombone in the shows organised by Talbot Rothwell. He was released in 1944 as part of a prisoner exchange. I clearly remember one day in the fifties my father was reading the paper and half listening to the TV which he had bought for the Coronation. He looked up and said he had heard all the jokes before in the film that was on. It was one of the early Carry On films with the script by Talbot Rothwell.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story.

[@martinhogg5337]

Very enlightening! You would never guess from his film roles that he was a war hero! Another great story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@LagerPetrol409]

Peter Butterworth was always one of my favourite of the Carry On team , loved all the characters he played and I just have to hear the names of the characters to send me into a giggle. Great man

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@tonywaterhouse5291]

Great to hear about his wartime service, a hero and a comic, brilliant. thanks for that Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@goldilocks913]

Carry on Cleopatra - ‘ Infamy!Infamy! They’ve all got in for me!’ 😂

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@BoaFilmsPlc]

You did miss out Peter's role as the "Meddling Monk" alongside William Hartnell's Doctor in Dr Who.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & the comment.

[@rochmel1409]

Carry on Sergeant. The first and by far the best Carry On film. By the way I believe ENSA was also known to stand for 'Every Night Something Awful'.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your comment.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

What a great story. I love hearing about actors who served in WW2. They truly are the greatest generation. My favorite Carry on was Carry on up the khyber. The dinner scene was the best. 😂😂. Thanks Chris! Cheers Ron

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@FranciscoPreira]

"Follow that Camel" and "Carry on England", great hero, thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnsmith-ik6uz]

So lucky to have you tell these stories.We were also lucky to have had such brave and clever men.God bless them all.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@gerardskippon3099]

My Wife's Favourite is "Carry On Screaming" Me "Carry On Up The Khyber". As to Mr Buterworth an amazing History and No one knew. Digging a Tunnel with a Soup Spoon. Blimey! RIP Peter Buterworth.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@1978JonBullock]

Another fascinating individual from a very resourceful era in time. There is a very long list of individuals who where very brave and determined during these very hard times. Peter and his comrades risked so much and many lost their lives.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment.

[@bikes02]

What a great story. The greatest generation!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

[@andylees2940]

Excellent video! Enjoyed the outrageous carry on films. Very impressed that he made so much of his time as a POW, what courage and resilience. Could not believe that he was sent over in a friggin biplane, a torpedo bomber! Must have known it was a one way trip, hope he stashed some extra ciggies. The Me110 pilot must have been laughing all the way home at the brits sending over such antiquities! RIP Butterworth and Thankyou for your sacrifices so I can be free today and Thankyou for all the laughter you brought to me too👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@barrysharp9792]

Thank you Chris for another great video revealing the true lives of the greatest generation. Any stories about these hero's is enough to make me watch.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@28pbtkh23]

Thanks for posting this story about an amazing man.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MervynPartin]

I had previously heard about Peter Butterworth's wartime service, but your video hopefully brings a greater awareness to people of his courage. As for my favourite Carry On, it has to be Up the Khyber.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comments & for watching my video

[@loddude5706]

To the memory of Vic Housego, Peter's friend & fellow POW, who went on to dedicate the rest of his life to caring for his disabled son; a worthy gentleman indeed & fine example of 'that generation'.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your interesting story.

[@joeritchie4554]

Such interesting history and bravery. Love his ingenious ways to stop the Nazi's from successfully detecting the digging. An amazing person.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@jamesabernethy7896]

I know there were so many innuendoes in the Carry On films but they were always good family fun. I have always had a persistent interest in all periods of history. There is adventure, tragedy and incredulity in equal measure. I found your channel with the Dad's Army service career videos and love the enthusiasm you inject. As well as showing the brighter side of things (which isn't easy) you can also show these men and women the dignity they deserve. Great stuff.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & also for your comment.

[@djlewis5149]

Peter famously told the story of going to a casting audition for “The wooden horse” and the director tellling him he was ‘too fat’ to be a POW. Brilliant bloke able to laugh at that

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to tell your interesting story.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Good morning, Chris, another cracking story. I grew up in the UK watching the Carry-On movies. and what fun they were. Thanks again, Cheers.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@gregbolitho9775]

Peter Butterworth, is in my list of top 40 actors. Peter Butterworth, wasn't the only actor who had wartime fun. Richard Todd for one. Dick Emery only arrived Downunda in the Dick Emery Show. Cjarlie Chester was a new one on me. Nice goin bloke, keep up the good work.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@johnbuxton6009]

One of my favourite actors he was a natural .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@iainhunneybell]

A wonderful story, beautifully told … as always. Thank you again Chris 😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

[@cheshirepiper9254]

What a guy !...I gotta say carry on screaming with Kenneth Williams " frying tonight ! "

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@Vic-ng8if]

Mate. I remember when that came out when I was in school. Everyone was saying it!

[@michaelbird3887]

Oliver Philpott of the "Wooden Horse" escape also wrote his memoirs of the war, in a book called "Stolen Journey". This was the first WW2 prisoner book I ever read and remains possibly the best ever written of the experiences of being a prisoner.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@MichaelGeoghegan]

Carry on up the Khyber was my fave as a kid

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@rayknowelden4363]

Great story. 👌

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@derekp2674]

Thanks very much Chris and Bob. As a young lad before WW2, my late uncle became a keen amateur short wave radio enthusiast, This became a lifelong hobby for him. But when called up for WW2, his radio skills were put to use use intercepting German radio traffic. Thus he spent most of the war gathering radio intercepts to feed to the code breakers at Bletchley Park. Like most others who worked there, he never talked about his wartime work. I only learned about if after his funeral.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story.

[@katearmiger8535]

My grandfather too

[@willtricks9432]

Very interesting and shows what a great actor he was, The Mrs Thatcher impressions were also top notch. Thanks for a great tale of Daring Do.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@anorthernsoul5600]

What a wonderful video about Peter Butterworth, thanks Chris. Love the Carry On films, Khyber, Screaming and Cleo with the lovely Amanda Barry. Also Carry On Follow that Camel, "Mustapha Leak" the Bedouin prophet, doubt you'd get away with that one these days.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@28pbtkh23]

Hahaha - I don’t remember that one but it’s a classic! 😂😂😂

[@paulrichards2350]

Brilliant story, Peter was one of my favourite Carry On actors especially the farmer in Carry on Camping, how much?” Pound”😂 this video opens your eyes to a brave man

[@TheHistoryChap]

I know a few real farmers like his character in that film! -:)

[@user-uj7dm8jy6z]

peter was always my fav carry-on star... irreplaceable talent of yesterday, sadly missed.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@patriciawhite619]

We as family were on a break in Hastings, many years ago. My dad wandered off for a walk, as he did; when he eventually returned, mum wanted to know what he was up to. He said he met Peter Butterworth and they sat on a bench having a super conversation. My dad could cajole conversation out of anyone. My dad also same age as my dad although my dad was tankie.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story.

[@user-fc9xq5df2l]

Wow. I will watch his films with a new sense of reverence. Thank you for that.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@mike-myke22]

There's a man who deserves a public statue in his honour.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Vic-ng8if]

That was fantastic mate. I didn't know anything about that and that his wife was Janet Brown! I always loved his characters especially in Carry on Screaming! Thanks also to the chap that suggested it. Well done all

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@davidmooney1253]

Another gem Chris. You never disappoint.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching my video.

[@howardjolley2215]

A very interesting story about a good man and actor. Loved his roles in the Carry On movies, especially, like you, Carry On Up the Khyber. I still watch them all. Have a half dozen recorded from TV. Thanks again Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Buggsy61]

Excellently put together as always. Thank you!.

[@TheHistoryChap]

glad you enjoyed it.

[@tonywoodham3760]

Who would have believed it? What a character, I have always enjoyed his character in the carry on films, so funny but beneath that facade was a hero. God please Bless Him for us. Thank You.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@chrispomphrett4283]

I met Peter when he played Willie Strokes, I kid you not... I operated one follow-spot (light) at Scarborough opera house where they played the Carry on Laughing show in 1976. A very, very nice down to earth chap and well liked. Nice to hear this additional background info on his life. Thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience

[@robcarter55]

Excellent video. There is the story of Richard Todd who you may know was one of the first onto Pegasus bridge and then was in the film about it. Not playing himself but a major . As they approach the bridge however he can be heard to order his real self onto the bridge. A nice touch I thought and easy to miss in the film

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback.

[@gazza2933]

You can walk passed people in the street and you just never know. An amazing story! Peter's son Tyler played the part of a vicar in "The Darling Buds Of May." I think most of us who have been through Basic (Military)Training, it's the first one. "Carry On Seargent." 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your comment.

[@paulbromley6687]

I loved these comedy actors as a child, I am amazed how as I am now the age that Peter Butterworth died ti find out that he was actually an un sung hero of those time along with Private Godfrey from Dads Army who had served in the First World War I believe. There must be many more well known faces who had secret histories. Thank you for revealing this one.

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@ramblingbunnyable]

Thank you for this and to Mr Taylor for suggesting it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@madrafboy]

Does anyone remember Peter Butterworth playing a tramp who told stories on BBC Children's hour in the 50s or 60s. It used to be a favourite of mine. He used to light a candle underneath a makeshift stove and tell a story whilst waiting for the water to boil. Lovely man.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, someone out there might also remember the programme.

[@davidwoods7720]

Thanks so much for this Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@BootsontheTable]

Absolutely amazing story thanks again Chris. I agree with you that Up the Khyber pass was one of my favs

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@akajasonbourne]

Being a carry on fan, I had been aware of Mr Butterworths military service during WW2. I enjoyed the video and learnt something new regarding PB. Favourite carry ons, screaming, which starred Harry H Corbett he himself had an interesting time in the military. And doctor

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@ShaunTame-re5us]

Cracking video and what a story. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@daveyjones2215]

I remember him on childrens TV in the 50;s with his stories and a Primus stove,funny bloke

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@stirrednotshaken3111]

Fantastic content as ever. Thank you keep up the great work :)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@BigAmp]

Beautiful story and presentation.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@1gerard47]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

[@theresabashford1726]

Met him once, I was on a riding holiday as a teenage & his daughter was there the same week, though sum total of our interaction was him asking if his daughter was around and me saying yes I would get her. He certainly had an interesting life a documentary should be done about his life.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story.

[@stuartburns8657]

Enjoyed that immensely thank you 🙏👏

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & glad you enjoyed my video.

[@kimbolton2842]

I found this so interesting, you never know what goes on in people's lives. Thanks for posting this 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@user-xh3lz9xt4l]

I went to the same school as Bernard Breslaw, Coopers School in Bow,East London.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your comment.

[@BMW7series251]

Many thanks for posting this. Loved Peter esp' in Carry on Camping. Cheers, John. ping.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Sandilandsandy]

He was always my favourite in any Carry On movie, to me he was like Tommy Cooper you just laughed when you saw them, Mr Fiddler, a Pound £ 🤣 but had no idea what a Hero he was!💪

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@Auntystatic]

Donald Pleasence flew nearly 60 missions as a Lancaster wireless operator before getting shot down and spending time in Stalag Luft 1, Christopher Lee also had a very varied and colourful war time experience, I even saw an interview with him once showing his old special forces ID card when his attachment to the SAS/Long range dessert patrol was brought into question, I never got to speak with my grandad about his wartime experience he died when I was 8, but I know he was in Tobruk for 15 months under constant shelling with the Northumbrian Fusiliers

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@lanternsown3525]

It's kinda wild that Peter Butterworth didn't a role in The Wooden Horse! His wartime service sounds like something out of Hogan Heroes.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@historybuff1673]

Fascinating!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@nuffnow67]

Really enjoyed this

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@daniellebcooper7160]

Another interesting and well produced video. How ironic that Peter didnt get a part in the Wooden Horse movie!.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@user-cr1eu6qh6i]

very informative and enjoyable

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@samrodian919]

Great episode Chris, I never knew anything about Peter Butterworth's wartime experiences. He was a hero even in captivity. And it was lucky that he wasn't among those who escaped in 1944 from Stalagluft 3 and of those captured 50 murdered by the Gestapo on Hitler's orders. One of the other carry on stars Bernard Breslaw was on of my fathers nursing colleagues cousin and he came to open the hospital fete when I was a young man. Favourite Carry On film? Up the Khyber I think! Keep 'em coming Chris!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@elwynj5379]

Fantastic! Great vid…

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@michaeltorpy3366]

Brilliant 😊😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@user-lt9py2pu6u]

Well remember Peter Butterworth from my childhood in the sixties, he was one of those actors who just seemed to be in movies or tv programs a lot. Sam Kydd, who was also a PoW, was another. Never got staring rolls but always added something, i particularly like Peter in Doctor Who as the meddling monk and of course as Brother Belcher in Carry On Up The Khyber.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@XPLAlN]

Omg he was a Fleet Air Arm pilot. I never heard of this, even though I was one myself. Thankyou History Chap, Peter Butterworth, and Bob Taylor.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@Laza367]

Fascinating and I couldn’t possibly pick just one Carry on movie as my favourite 😀

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@simonm7133]

One of my father's best friends was one of the gymnasts of the Wooden Horse - Aubrey Niner. He was one of the special guests invited to the Imperial War Museum for an exhibition about POW life in 2004. My dad and he had trained together in the RAF and Aubrey got shot down in 1942 over France. (My old man luckily survived being shot down in North Africa and carried on missions until the end of hostilities). I actually didn't find about Niner's role in The Wooden Horse escape until a few years after my father died.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@shantanusapru]

Wow!! Fascinating!! What a badass!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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