Description
Physical description
Corroded cigarette lighter consisting of a metal fuel bottle with a wick emerging from the top that is inserted onto a fluted metal sleeve with three rectangular holes on each side. The body of the lighter beside the sleeve is decorated with parallel wavy lines and features a button lever which opens the hinged cap on the top of the lighter and operates the striking wheel.
Label
cigarette lighter associated with the Second World War experiences (as a prisoner of war) of Oliver Philpot.
Canadian by birth, Philpot first came to the UK to study at Oxford. He joined the Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve (RAFVR), and became a pilot in 42 (Torpedo/Bomber) Squadron. He was assigned to Royal Air Force Coastal Command in 1940. In 1941 he was shot down off the coast of occupied Norway and taken prisoner by the Germans. He was subsequently held in prisoner of war (POW) camps in Germany and Poland, before his involvement in the 'Wooden Horse' breakout from Stalag Luft III allowed him to escape to Sweden and Scotland. See EPH 6366 for details of this escape.
His memoir, 'Stolen Journey', was published in 1953.
History note
cigarette lighter associated with the Second World War experiences (as a prisoner of war) of Oliver Philpot.
Canadian by birth, Philpot first came to the UK to study at Oxford. He joined the Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve (RAFVR), and became a pilot in 42 (Torpedo/Bomber) Squadron. He was assigned to Royal Air Force Coastal Command in 1940. In 1941 he was shot down off the coast of occupied Norway and taken prisoner by the Germans. He was subsequently held in prisoner of war (POW) camps in Germany and Poland, before his involvement in the 'Wooden Horse' breakout from Stalag Luft III allowed him to escape to Sweden and Scotland. See EPH 6366 for details of this escape.
His memoir, 'Stolen Journey', was published in 1953.