The Demise of Churchill's Platypus
Nick French
- Regions:
- East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire
- 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: 10 | Enquiries: 0About Nick French
I was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. After completing my Master’s Degrees in Material Science and Business Administration, I embarked on a successful career in international sales and distribution of petrochemicals. But my true passion of speaking and training lead to an early retirement from salary based employment towards a new career in people development.
My training and consulting business started in Singapore, running workshops and delivering engaging keynote speeches. Later, in 2016 I relocated to Cape Town and discovered a new passion for researching and presenting talks on absorbing historical events. During the Covid years many of these were delivered online across the globe. My audiences now include many diverse clubs and associations.
I am based in Hampshire with my wife Lynette, and two cats and a dog.
As a Distinguished Toastmaster, I am dedicated to entertaining and captivating my audiences. If you’d like to know more about me, my talk offerings and special areas of expertise, give me a call!
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Nick French
- The Death Railway
- Hell Ship to Japan
- Scott or Shackleton - who was the greatest 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
- The Amazing Coconut
- Asian Etiquette - what they don't tell you in travel guides
- Surviving Chinese Etiquette
- A Gaijin in Japan
- The Singapore Success Story
- Japan's invasion of Singapore and the sinking of Force Z
- Watch Your Back at Work
- Speaking on the Spot
- Know Your Household Chemical Hazards
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