Peter Churchill

Peter Morland Churchill (1909 - 1972) was an SOE officer during the World War II. His code name was "Michel".

Related Topics:
1909 - 1972 - SOE - World War II

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Peter Churchill was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands in January 14 1909. In Cambridge University he mainly excelled in athletic pursuits.

Related Topics:
Amsterdam - Netherlands - January 14 - 1909 - Cambridge University

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After the outbreak of World War II he became an intelligence officer and joined Special Operations Executive. In January 1942 he was landed by submarine at Miramar in France to supply and evaluate the Carte circuit of the Maquis and French Resistance. When he returned to England, he was promoted to captain.

Related Topics:
World War II - Special Operations Executive - 1942 - Miramar - ''Carte'' - Maquis - French Resistance

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In August 1942 Churchill went to Montpellier, 34, in France to organize and coordinate the Spindle Network. He developed a close relationship with his radio operator Odette Sansom. Spindle Network directed aerial delivery of supplies to Maquis. However, many resistance members disapproved of Churchill's flamboyant lifestyle and his tactlessness with his contacts. Spindle transferred to annecy network.

Related Topics:
1942 - 34 - Spindle Network - Odette Sansom

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Eventually Abwehr infiltrated the network. Churchill went to England in February (or March) 1943 and parachuted back in April 15. Next day in April 16 Hugo Bleicher of Abwehr arrested him and Sansom.

Related Topics:
Abwehr - 1943 - April 15 - April 16 - Hugo Bleicher

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Churchill and Sansom claimed they were a married couple and related to Winston Churchill. They were tortured and sent to concentration camps but avoided execution throughout the war.

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Churchill and Sansom were married in 1947 and were divorced in 1956. Peter Churchill died in 1972.

Related Topics:
1947 - 1956 - 1972

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Peter Churchill's memoirs:

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• Of Their Own Choice (1952)
• Duel of Wits (1953)
• The Spirit of the Cage (1954)
• By Moonlight (1958)