Jack Churchill



""Any officer who goes into action without his sword is improperly dressed.""

"Fighting" (Alternatively "Mad") Jack Churchill (1906-1996) was an officer in the British military during World War II renowned for his zeal, bravery, and surprisingly effective eccentricity in combat. He has gained a reputation as one of the most Badass characters in the war, and lamented that it ended too early for his tastes. After the war he served until 1959, first in Palestine, and then training troops in Australia until 1959, during which time he became an avid surfer.

More details on his life can be found on the Other Wiki.

He was of no relation to the other Churchill, though the PM's brother was also named Jack Churchill, funnily enough. And one of his forefathers was named John as well. Yes, that John Churchill...

Tropes embodied by Jack Churchill
"Jack (upon discovering Japan had surrendered): "If it wasn't for those damn Yanks, we could have kept the war going another 10 years!""
 * The Archer - Jack was a world-class competitive archer before the war. He competed in Norway in 1939, and returned in 1940 to kick Nazi butt. He was the only person in the war to kill an enemy with a bow.
 * Authority Equals Asskicking
 * Bow and Sword In Accord - Despite fighting in the mid-20th century, he armed himself with a longbow and claymore (the basket-hilted dueling sword, not the 6-foot longsword). Which is another reason for the "Mad" title.
 * Bunny Ears Lawyer - Read the above, while keeping in mind that he was a highly decorated officer who lead several successful operations throughout the war.
 * Blood Knight - Jack was nicknamed by his commandos "Fighting Jack" because he was so enthusiastic about combat. Even among fellow soldiers his love of fighting was considered extreme.

""Any officer who goes into action without his sword is improperly dressed.""
 * Badass / The Determinator - Fought until 1944, when he was captured as the last surviving member of his troop. Was sent to Sachsenhausen concentration camp but promptly escaped and walked about 200 kilometres north before being recaptured and sent to southern Austria. After the guards in the second prison camp abandoned their posts, he walked another 240 kilometres to Italy before finally meeting some Allied troops and getting medical treatment.
 * Colonel Badass
 * Crazy Awesome
 * Everything's Louder with Bagpipes - He often rallied his troops with highland pipes. Also, when all his troops had died, he knew he would be captured, so he sat down and played Bonnie Charlie while he waited for the Germans to get there.
 * Heroes Prefer Swords: Look to the page quote.
 * Officer and a Gentleman - The main reason for his unorthodox choice of weaponry.


 * Surfer Dude - Amusingly, after the War he became passionate about surfing. He really was an odd man.