Thame WW11 ‘spy’ celebrates his 100th birthday

A THAME pensioner who worked as a secret agent in German occupied France during World War II, celebrated his 100th birthday over the weekend, and this evening featured on BBC news talking about his extraordinary life. LINK

Arthur Staggs trained as a wireless operator at SOE (Special Operations Executive) based at Thame Park, and amongst his various expoits, destroyed Nazi supply lines in France. He was captured by the Gestapo but did not break under torture, and when released he fought with the French Resistance.

Arthur now lives at the Meadowcroft Care Home in Thame, where Arthur’s family and around 60 friends enjoyed an ‘at home’ get-together on Saturday (17/11) with a buffet and birthday cake.

Arthur’s daughter, Anne Freeman, who lives in Lancashire, came down to stay in Thame for the weekend. She told Thamenews.net: “Dad was in good form and was so looking forward to ‘making the ton’!”

LISTEN HERE to the late Arthur Staggs in a remarkable ‘oral history’ recording made by Thame Cinema (Arthur died shortly after his 100th birthday)