Albert the virtual POW

[sburke]

From Wikipedia

John Godfrey Bernard Worsley (16 February 1919 – 3 October 2000) was a prolific British artist and illustrator, best known for his naval battle scenes, and portraits of high-ranking officers and political figures. One of the very few active service artists of the Second World War, Worsley was the only person to render contemporary sea-warfare in situ, and the only official war artist captured by the Germans. Detained in the infamous prisoner-of-war camp Marlag-O, Worsley documented prison life with supplies provided by the Red Cross, his expertise employed in the forging of identity papers, and an ingenious escape attempt requiring the construction of a mannequin named Albert R.N.

In 1943, the Navy dispatched Worsley to an island in the north Adriatic, where he hoped to record an attempt by Allied saboteurs to establish a base camp, but the Germans intercepted his party, forcing them to surrender.

As a prisoner, Worsley documented camp life with warmth, accuracy, and humour. He also directed his talent to covert pursuits, including the creation of counterfeit documentation, and Albert, an ingenious life-size figurine, crafted from newspaper, a wire frame, and human hair. The figurine had blinking ping-pong ball eyes that were powered by a pendulum made from a sardine tin. For four days, Albert successfully deceived the prison guards, masquerading as an officer during roll-call, while the lieutenant he had replaced made good his escape. However, the escapee was eventually recaptured, and Albert was hidden for the next escape.

For 4 friggin days a dummy with Ping Pong ball eyes successfully impersonated a british officer....hmmmm Does that say more about the Germans or British Officers?

[agusto]

Here is a pic of a replica Albert:

found at

http://www.mishalov.com/Worsley.html

[Wicky]

Far too much time on their hands...

Cheers for sharing.

[Vinnart]

Ah artist that clever lot . You never know when the skill will come in handy. As a teen it helped to fool store clerks to buy beer. Amazing how innovative people can be with limited supplies, and that looks dam good! Interesting share Burke, Thanks.

[BLSTK]

For 4 friggin days a dummy with Ping Pong ball eyes successfully impersonated a british officer....hmmmm Does that say more about the Germans or British Officers?

Thanks, sburke. You just made my day.