New Book: The Colditz Conjurer

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*** COMING SOON - FROM THE MAGIC AT WAR TEAM ***


The Colditz Conjurer tells the amazing true story of Flight Lieutenant Vincent ‘Bush’ Parker.

A school-boy magician from the Australian outback, ‘Bush’ left home to become an assistant to a master illusionist. With World War Two looming, he gave up this promising career to train as a Spitfire pilot. 

One of Churchill’s ‘Few,’ he fought in the Battle of Britain until he was shot down in a dramatic dogfight. As a prisoner-of-war in Germany, Vince Parker earned a reputation as a persistent escaper. He ended up in the infamous Colditz Castle, a high-security fortress from which the Germans thought escape was impossible.

In the footlights of the castle’s theatre, this charismatic officer used his magic skills to boost the morale of his fellow prisoners. But, behind locked doors, he applied the secrets of stage magic and escapology to the real-life challenge of getting back home.

A remarkable tale of perseverance, courage and cunning in the face of adversity, The Colditz Conjurer features over 55 original photographs and maps. 126 pages.

“He was an outstanding hero among his fellow prisoners.” 
- Don Donaldson, British POW in Colditz



For a sneak preview, check out these blogs:

Related article: 'Never in the field of human conflict...: a magician is one of the few!', a blog about magician-Spitfire pilot, Pilot Officer Vincent 'Bush' Parker and his role in the Battle of Britain. Blog link

Related article: 'Bush' Parker: The Escapist' (Part 1) tells the story of Vincent 'Bush' Parker's capture by the Germans and his early escape attempts before he arrives at Oflag IVC Colditz. Blog link

Related article: 'Bush' Parker: The Escapist' (Part 2) tells the story of Vincent 'Bush' Parker's captivity in Oflag IVC Colditz, his attempts to escape and how he used magic to boost morale and help escapes. Blog link

Research supported by The Good Magic Award 2021 from The Good Thinking Society 

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