The Demise of Churchill's Platypus
Nick French SpeakerNet Sponsor
- Regions:
- East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Surrey, London, Isle of Wight
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Historic talks facilitator
- Fee:
- Paid
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 11th March 2026
- Tagged:
- Australia | Churchill | Platypus | World War 2
During the Japanese invasion of South East Asia in WWII, Australia was also on Japan's radar screen, as witnessed by several bombings in the northern regions. Fearing a larger attack, Australia's foreign minister approached Britain for additional military support. This was duly granted, one of the conditions being that Australia would deliver one of its native creatures, the duck billed platypus to Winston Churchill, an exotic animal enthusiast.
Shipping such a delicate creature was no easy task, and detailed preparations were required. Learn how the voyage was undertaken and reasons why 'Winston,' the unlucky passenger never reached the shores of England.
Views: 313 | Enquiries: 0About Nick French
I am a semi-retired professional speaker and trainer with a passion for delighting my audiences.
Born in Zimbabwe, university educated in Cape Town, I enjoyed a career of over 20 years in Singapore selling chemicals in the Asia Pacific region. On taking early retirement, I started my own consultancy delivering talks and workshops on public speaking, personal development and health and safety in the handling of hazardous chemicals.
I now deliver stimulating talks on a wide range of topics, all of which are accompanied by easy to follow custom built slides designed to enrich my content and maximise your enjoyment. I speak on a wide range of subjects of historical interest, humorous cross cultural experiences, impromptu speaking, and safe handling of household chemicals in the home. Something that will appeal to everyone!
I do charge a small honorarium which includes my travel time and expenses, but all of this goes to my designated animal related charities.
I look forward to speaking at your next function!
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Nick French
- The Death Railway
- Hell Ship to Japan
- Scott or Shackleton - who was the greatest British Antarctic explorer?
- Shackleton's Antarctic Journeys
- Inside Alcatraz
- Heroes and 'Zeroes' of the Titanic
- The Rise and Fall of Concorde
- Chris Barnard - Surgeon Extraordinaire
- The Advent of Open Heart Surgery
- The Crime of the 20th Century
- Asian Etiquette - what they don't tell you in travel guides
- A Gaijin in Japan
- The Singapore Success Story
- Japan's invasion of Singapore and the sinking of Force Z
- Speaking on the Spot
- Know Your Household Chemical Hazards
- How Amundsen beat Scott to the South Pole
- Miss Unsinkable’s Dice with Death on Titanic and Britannic
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