The History Chap Podcast

89: Hollywood Legend, David Niven's WW2 Military Service

January 17, 2024 Chris Green
89: Hollywood Legend, David Niven's WW2 Military Service
The History Chap Podcast
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The History Chap Podcast
89: Hollywood Legend, David Niven's WW2 Military Service
Jan 17, 2024
Chris Green

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This is the story of debonair, quintessentially British film star, David Niven and his military service in World War 2.

David Niven began his film career during Hollywood’s “golden age”, under producer Samuel Goldwyn and starring alongside some of the greats like Errol Flynn and Ginger Rogers.

He was also an Academy Award and Golden Globe recipient.

But, did you know that he was also the recipient of the US Legion of Honour?

Or that he served in the British commandos during the Second World War?

Or that he came under fire in Normandy, was caught up in the Battle of the Bulge, and narrowly missed capture in Belgium?


But what even fewer people know is that David Niven has a link to the Zulu War.

And not just the war, but the British defeat at the battler of Isandlwana.


His wartime service and that little-known link to the Zulu War is the subject of this episode.

I thoroughly recommend "The Moon's A Balloon", David Niven's autobiography
https://amzn.to/3HqDhZ2

Or if you'd like to know more about the Zulu War then why not read Ian Knight's "Zulu Rising"
https://amzn.to/3UoOqS7

I'm an Amazon Affiliate and will earn commission if you purchase a book using the link above.



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Show Notes

Send me a message

Sign up to my free weekly newsletter

This is the story of debonair, quintessentially British film star, David Niven and his military service in World War 2.

David Niven began his film career during Hollywood’s “golden age”, under producer Samuel Goldwyn and starring alongside some of the greats like Errol Flynn and Ginger Rogers.

He was also an Academy Award and Golden Globe recipient.

But, did you know that he was also the recipient of the US Legion of Honour?

Or that he served in the British commandos during the Second World War?

Or that he came under fire in Normandy, was caught up in the Battle of the Bulge, and narrowly missed capture in Belgium?


But what even fewer people know is that David Niven has a link to the Zulu War.

And not just the war, but the British defeat at the battler of Isandlwana.


His wartime service and that little-known link to the Zulu War is the subject of this episode.

I thoroughly recommend "The Moon's A Balloon", David Niven's autobiography
https://amzn.to/3HqDhZ2

Or if you'd like to know more about the Zulu War then why not read Ian Knight's "Zulu Rising"
https://amzn.to/3UoOqS7

I'm an Amazon Affiliate and will earn commission if you purchase a book using the link above.



Support the Show.