Oliver Philpot – Heroic RAF Officer and Inspiring Escapee of World War II
The courageous journey of resilience, survival, and leadership
Introduction
Oliver Philpot is remembered as one of the most courageous figures of World War II. A Royal Air Force pilot, prisoner of war, and daring escapee, his life story is filled with bravery, determination, and a will to overcome the harshest circumstances. He rose from an ambitious young man in Canada and England to become a decorated RAF officer and later a successful business leader.
His name is forever linked with the legendary “Wooden Horse” escape from Stalag Luft III, one of the most remarkable prisoner escapes in military history. Yet, Oliver Philpot’s story goes far beyond this daring adventure. It is a tale of resilience in war, excellence in education, and leadership in post-war business life.
Quick Bio of Oliver Philpot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Oliver Lawrence Spurling Philpot |
| Date of Birth | 6 March 1913 |
| Place of Birth | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-born, British citizen |
| Education | Radley College; Worcester College, Oxford (PPE) |
| Military Service | Royal Air Force, No. 42 Squadron, Coastal Command |
| Key Achievement | Escape from Stalag Luft III via the Wooden Horse (1943) |
| Honors | Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Military Cross (MC) |
| Post-War Roles | Chief Executive of Findus, Managing Director of Remploy, Chairman of RAF Escaping Society |
| Date of Death | 29 April 1993, London, England |
Early Life and Education
Oliver Philpot was born on 6 March 1913 in Vancouver, Canada, into a family with strong British roots. His father was a London-born engineer, and the family later moved back to England. Growing up in Britain exposed Philpot to both Canadian and British traditions, giving him a dual perspective that shaped his character.
He received his early education at Aymestrey School, near Worcester, and later attended Radley College from 1927 to 1932. Bright, disciplined, and ambitious, Philpot excelled academically and went on to Worcester College, Oxford. There, he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), one of the most prestigious courses of the time, and also joined the Oxford University Air Squadron, where he learned to fly.
Pre-War Career
After graduating from Oxford, Philpot began his career at Unilever as a management trainee in 1934. By 1936, he became assistant commercial secretary in Unilever’s margarine division. His role often took him to Germany, where he not only conducted business but also learned the language. This skill would later prove vital during his time as a prisoner of war.
At the same time, Philpot continued his involvement with aviation through the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, where he maintained his flying experience and military readiness.
Military Career During World War II
When war broke out in September 1939, Philpot was immediately called up to serve in the Royal Air Force. He was posted to No. 42 Squadron under Coastal Command, flying missions in Bristol Beaufort torpedo bombers. These missions were highly dangerous, often targeting German shipping in the cold and hostile waters of the North Sea.
On 11 December 1941, Philpot’s aircraft was shot down off the coast of Norway. He and his crew ditched into the freezing waters, surviving for two days in a small dinghy before being rescued by German forces. Captured and suffering from frostbite, he was sent to a German hospital and later transferred to prisoner-of-war camps.
Life as a Prisoner of War
Eventually, Philpot was interned at Stalag Luft III, one of Germany’s most heavily guarded prisoner camps, which would later gain fame for the “Great Escape.” Life in the camp was harsh and restricted, but the prisoners constantly planned ways to outwit their captors. Philpot became deeply involved in escape planning, motivated by his strong sense of duty and determination to return to active service.
It was here that he joined the famous “Wooden Horse” escape plan. The prisoners disguised their tunnel digging by building a wooden gymnastic horse, carried daily into the yard. While other prisoners vaulted over it for exercise, Philpot and two others dug secretly beneath it, carrying the soil away and hiding it inside the camp.
The Wooden Horse Escape
On 29 October 1943, after months of preparation, Philpot and his fellow escapees Eric Williams and Michael Codner finally put their plan into action. Crawling through the tunnel beneath the horse, they slipped out of Stalag Luft III under the cover of night.
Philpot took a different route than his comrades. With forged papers and fluent German, he boarded a train to Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland). From there, he managed to secure passage on a ship to neutral Sweden. Once in Stockholm, arrangements were made for him to return safely to Britain.
This daring escape became one of the most celebrated POW stories of World War II, later immortalized in books and films.
Military Honors and Recognition
For his bravery and service, Oliver Philpot was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and the Military Cross (MC). His escape was not only a personal triumph but also a boost to Allied morale during the darkest years of the war.
By the time he left military service, Philpot had achieved the rank of Flight Lieutenant, marking a distinguished RAF career.
Post-War Career in Business
After the war, Philpot returned to civilian life and began building a successful career in business. He became Chief Executive of Findus, a well-known frozen food company. Later, he served as Managing Director of Remploy, an organization that provided employment opportunities for disabled people, especially war veterans.
In addition, Philpot was Chairman of Robert Windsor Ltd., part of Union International, and he also chaired the RAF Escaping Society, supporting former prisoners of war and escapees. His post-war career highlighted his leadership qualities and his ability to adapt from military to civilian success.
Publications
In 1950, Oliver Philpot published his autobiography, “Stolen Journey.” The book gave a vivid account of his time as a prisoner of war, the Wooden Horse escape, and his return to Britain. It remains one of the key works documenting wartime escapes and has inspired generations of readers.
Later Life and Death
Philpot was a long-time member of the London Rowing Club and continued rowing well into his seventies. On 29 April 1993, he passed away in London at the age of 80. His ashes were scattered on the River Thames at Putney, symbolizing his lifelong love for rowing.
Legacy
Oliver Philpot’s life embodies courage, resilience, and leadership. From his daring wartime escape to his post-war achievements in business and public service, he left behind a legacy of determination and inspiration. His story continues to be studied as an example of human spirit in the face of adversity.
The Wooden Horse escape, in particular, remains one of the most iconic prisoner escapes of the Second World War. Through his book Stolen Journey and his preserved papers at the Imperial War Museum, Philpot’s legacy endures for future generations.
Conclusion
Oliver Philpot was more than just a decorated RAF officer. He was a man of vision, courage, and resilience. His successful escape from Stalag Luft III showcased ingenuity and bravery, while his post-war career highlighted his ability to lead and inspire. His story stands as a timeless reminder that even in the darkest of times, determination and hope can light the path to freedom and achievement.
FAQs about Oliver Philpot
Q1: Who was Oliver Philpot?
Oliver Philpot was a Royal Air Force officer during World War II, best known for his escape from Stalag Luft III through the Wooden Horse tunnel.
Q2: What was the Wooden Horse escape?
It was a prisoner-of-war escape plan in which a wooden gymnastic horse was used to conceal tunnel digging, allowing Philpot and two others to escape in 1943.
Q3: What honors did Oliver Philpot receive?
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and the Military Cross (MC) for his bravery.
Q4: What did Oliver Philpot do after the war?
He became Chief Executive of Findus, Managing Director of Remploy, and chaired the RAF Escaping Society.
Q5: When did Oliver Philpot die?
He died on 29 April 1993 in London, England, at the age of 80.
