Magic at War

Leslie Lambert was a founding member of The Magic Circle in 1905. But, he disappeared from the magic  community  just before World War One. Years later, he reappeared, as a  B.B.C. broadcaster, under the  pseudonym  A. J. Alan. Members of The Magic Circle recognised his voice, and knew the real identity of this popular radio storyteller. But what they didn't know, was that Lambert had another career... as a code-breaker. A founding member of The Magic Circle (the premier magic society in the U.K.), Leslie Harrison Lambert (1883-1941) was  a well-regarded magician. He appeared several times at the 'Home of Mystery', St. George's Hall, London and at numerous Magic Circle events, becoming one of the society's Vice Presidents. He was known as a " bright star " in the magic community, commended for his sleight of hand ability and originality. He performed especially at society events, and appeared before Queen Mary and The Prince of Wales (Edward VIII) twic...

In this incredible  personal  story, magician Paul Potassy gives a thrilling first-hand account of how magic literally saved his life during winter operations in World War Two...  Austrian by birth, Paul Potassy (Paul Ludwig Alexander of Potassy) (1923-2018) developed an early interest in magic and was performing in cabaret and other public venues before he finished high school. With the German annexation of Austria in 1938, the family was relocated to Berlin, where Paul got to see many top magic acts of the day. He went on to university to study engineering. But, he wanted to become a professional magician and, in 1940, he joined the German Magic Circle as its youngest member.  Soon after, World War Two intervened to halt his plans. He was conscripted into the Germany Army in November 1941 and sent off to complete his basic military training on the Eastern Front. Paul Potassy in military uniform (1942) (Source: 'Heroes of Magic' by John Fisher) Fifteen months later,...