British Traitor.  John Amery was the son of British politician Leo Amery. He went to Harrow school before going into business and became bankrupt by 1936, aged twenty four. In october 1936 he went to Spain working on the side of General Franco’s fascists. He then moved to France where, in 1941, he was recruited by the Nazis and in November 1942 began making pro Adolf Hitler broadcasts in Berlin. In April 1943 he established the Legion of St. George and attempted to persuade British prisoners to fight for Germany against the Soviet Union on the Eastern Front. In the final months of the war Amery moved to Italy where he made propaganda speeches on behalf of Benito Mussolini. He also made broadcasts on Italian radio. Amery was captured by Italian partisans in Milan in April 1945, and soon afterwards was handed over to the British authorities. After being interviewed by MI5 Amery was tried for high treason. On 28th November, 1945, After a trial presided over by judge Mister Justice Humphreys at the old Bailey, he pleaded guilty to eight counts of treason. In spite of pleas for clemency from many notables, one being Jan Smuts, and several petitions, John Amery was hanged at 9 am. on 19th December, 1945 in Wandsworth prison by Albert Pierrepoint assisted by Henry Critchell. Pierrepoint described him as “the bravest man I ever hanged”.

(bio by: Stephen Tweed)