Captivity, Slavery and Survival as a Far East POW (22 reviews)
Found in: World War Two Books
Hardback 256 pages
ISBN: 9781848846227
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The Conjuror on the Kwai
Peter FyansFound in: World War Two Books
Hardback 256 pages
ISBN: 9781848846227
Published: 28 November 2011
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Captivity, Slavery and Survival as a Far East POW is the incredibly moving story of Gus Anckorn, a British soldier who was captured by the Japanese and held for over three and a half years. Before the war, Gus was a magician and throughout the war, entertained both fellow soldiers and Japanese guards with his tricks.
Gus has a brilliant sense of humour and a 'tell it as it is' attitude which got him into a number of scrapes with both the Japanese and his own side. He has a remarkable humility to his character and is extremely endearing, both in the book and face to face guaranteeing massive media attention.
Gus experienced terrible ordeals that no one should have to face. He should have been killed on four or five occasions, but remarkably survived due to quick thinking and good luck. Gus also reveals the heartache of leaving his fiancee behind and not knowing if he would ever see her again.
This is an incredibly moving book and will surely be considered as one of the classic Far East POW stories. Gus is still alive and active today, very publicity focused and well connected. He still holds the unique claim of being the youngest ever member of the Magic Circle and is now currently their oldest ever member. He is also a member of the Masons. Gus has appeared on BBC TV when they arranged for him to meet a Japanese POW camp guard on the bridge at Kwai.
Gus has a brilliant sense of humour and a 'tell it as it is' attitude which got him into a number of scrapes with both the Japanese and his own side. He has a remarkable humility to his character and is extremely endearing, both in the book and face to face guaranteeing massive media attention.
Gus experienced terrible ordeals that no one should have to face. He should have been killed on four or five occasions, but remarkably survived due to quick thinking and good luck. Gus also reveals the heartache of leaving his fiancee behind and not knowing if he would ever see her again.
This is an incredibly moving book and will surely be considered as one of the classic Far East POW stories. Gus is still alive and active today, very publicity focused and well connected. He still holds the unique claim of being the youngest ever member of the Magic Circle and is now currently their oldest ever member. He is also a member of the Masons. Gus has appeared on BBC TV when they arranged for him to meet a Japanese POW camp guard on the bridge at Kwai.
Audio Clips
pow.mp3Gus Anckorn - Speaking with Gus Anckorn Part 1pow2.mp3Gus Anckorn - Speaking with Gus Anckorn Part 2
pow3.mp3Gus Anckorn - Speaking with Gus Anckorn Part 3
A new book tells the story of a PoW whose survival of World War Two is simply a miracle.
Your Tunbridge Wells
Captivity, Slavery and Survival makes a virtue of his (Fergus Anckorn) ordinariness, even of his dislike of the Army and his fear of dying. Now the oldest member of the Magic Circle, he recounts his... [read full review]Mail on Sunday
Remarkable Story.International Express
This very readable book is well illustrated with drawings made at the time by fellow prisoners.Dover Express, Folkstone Herald, Deal Express, Whitstable Times
The survival of prisoner of war Fengus Anckorn…could truly be described as miraculous.Kent News
A new book tells the story of a PoW whose survival of World War Two is simply a miracle.Kent on Sunday
The incredible story of a British prisoner of war who cheated death six times has finally emerged after nearly 70 years.The Sun
For 70 years, a British prisoner of war has kept the horrors of his River Kwai experience to himself. But now Gus Anckorn, 93, from Kent, has decided to share his story, recalling how he... [read full review]Mail Online
A British POW who survived the horrors of slave labour on the River Kwai raliway under the Japanese has finally told his remarkable story. Gus Anckorn has revealed how he cheated death after being bombed... [read full review]The Express
It is the ideal time to pick up this book and find out whether an ex-PoW ever recovered from his unimaginable ordeal.Resident
Not only did Fergus Anckron endure the ordeal of being left for dead in a storm drain in Singapore during the Japanese invasion, but he went on to survive the infamous Alexandra Hospital Massacre and... [read full review]Britain at War
Mr Anckorn's story is astonishing, always uplifting and most poignant, even in his darkest hours. A most remarkable man and this is as honest a tribute to his bravery and integrity as one could imagine.Kensington and Chelsea Today
Not many soldiers who fought throughout World War II are still alive. But one group in particular have almost gone now – the men who fought in the Pacific and were captured by the Japanese.... [read full review]Daily Mail
When you find someone like Fergus, you know you've found a treasure – and the further you go, the more you realise that he's a national treasure. I always wanted to write a book but... [read full review]Sevenoaks Chronicle
Fergus is still performing magic tricks and his remarkable story is has been written by Peter Fyans. Fergus lights up a room with his warm-hearted smile and laces his frank story with humour.Mid Sussex Times
This is an incredibly moving book and will surely be considered as one of the classic Far East POW stories.Doncaster Star
This book is a remarkably moving, thought-provoking and candid account of his experiences.Britain at War
An informative and moving, yet entertaining, publication.Best of British Magazine
An incredibly moving book. Will surely be considered as one of the classic Far East POW stories.The Star
We get the authentic sounding voice of the straight-talking, chirpy, sometime chippy Gus. He was starved, enslaved and one more than one occasion left for dead. Compelling.Daily Express
This is a tale of remarkable courage about a POW surviving against all odds. During the Second World War, 59 members of the Magic Circle were in the armed forces. Gus Anckorn the Circle's youngest... [read full review]Best of British
After the war, as a lecturer in subjects including English and economics at West Kent College. Fergus often pepped up his lessons with anecdotes about his extraordinary wartime survival. Now 92, he has decided to... [read full review]Mail on Sunday
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About Peter Fyans
Peter Fyans met Gus Anckorn at a charity concert and overheard him telling his wartime stories. He introduced himself and the pair have been close friends ever since. Gus’ story has been told by Peter but in his own words. Gus is still extremely active at 93 and is well known locally. Peter lives in Surrey.
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