'The Witch of World War II' The Strange Story of Helen Duncan

Helen Duncan, a Scottish medium, became infamous during World War II for her séances, where she allegedly communicated with the dead. In 1941, she shocked authorities by revealing the sinking of the HMS Barham before it was publicly announced. Suspected of leaking military secrets, Duncan was investigated and eventually arrested in 1944 under the Witchcraft Act of 1735, accused of fraud. Her trial was one of the last under this archaic law, leading to her conviction and imprisonment. The case sparked controversy, with some viewing her as a genuine medium and others as a charlatan. But what do you believe?

[kev]

Before she met up with my dad my mum was engaged to a young sailor named John Robson. John was on board the Barham when it was sunk and sadly he died. Years later after marrying my dad and having 3 kids of which I was one, mum still had a picture of john in his uniform. Back in those days people often kept photos in old biscuit tins or the like. Mum would some times bring out the tin and have a look at them, when ever she came across the picture of John she would always say " poor little John" I was always pleased that she kept this picture of a man I never knew.

[pioneercynthia]

Malcolm Gaskill has a fantastic book called, appropriately "Hellish Nell: The Last of Britain's Witches."

[barefootcontessa]

The problem with the medieval witchcraft allegations is they would often accuse someone who simply knew about herbs and plants with healing properties

[Sorchia]

I’ve not heard the case in such detail, cheers for that! Odd that in the 40’s they went after “witches” yet seances were all the rage in the UK in the 20’s. My great-great aunt would have them several times a week in Ireland. Many did throughout Ireland, Scotland and England. Why she was tried and convicted is a waste of resources, I agree with Sir Churchill! Sounds like someone got their knickers in a bunch and decided to get revenge. The ghost plasma is a bit ridiculous and over the top, truth be told. But to each their own.

[ekstadropsen]

I do appreciate the fact that though you don't necessarily believe in Helen's claims, you still don't ridicule those who believed her or believe in those things today. It's fully possible to disagree with someone's beliefs without ridiculing them for them.

[jeanroe]

Fascinating. Thank you Paul 😊 Every story that I've heard on here is a story that I've never heard before. Thanks for keeping things fresh, informative and educational 😊

[nanasewdear]

As I was born a Duncan, you got my attention! What a sad story.

[userunknownx]

My late Aunt used to read tea leaves, but professed most of her clients just needed tea and sympathy. I have never considered myself a medium, but someone I worked with knew I read cards and asked me to reach out to her mother. I took her hand and for the first an only time I saw someone who showed me her daughter cared more for money than her well being. A voice said, "Tell her I forgive her." It was an instant that still shakes me to this day. I may have somehow just tapped into her subconscious as the desire for forgiveness was great.

[dennis]

I wish there was an audio only podcast version of this channel. I could listen at work, it would be awesome.

[missdeebates]

My grandmother was a practising clairvoyant during the war year's and after. I have no recollection of her ever claiming mediumship or talking with the departed. She read palms, teaaleaves and cards, she told me she'd have loved to have had a crystal ball. She certainly convinced her neighbours and family and convinced me when I was 14 by revealing things, circumstances and even names that she couldn't possibly have known as she lived a hundred miles from us and we rarely saw her. She was visited by police officers and detectives on many occasions, to help them with murder enquiries and even read for Hughie Green who visited her at her home. She was known as the Witch of Belvedere.

[emmajulian]

Thank you Mr brodie and team will watch this now whilst I'm in hospital with an acute kidney infection this is just what the doctor ordered 😊

[lisaboban]

She's a fascinating person in a fascinating time. Thanks for drawing such a clear picture of her life and times.

[pilgrimpoet]

I'm agnostic on mediums and communication with spirits. But seriously; bringing her up on charges? A bit King James, isn't it? Thank you for always making me say "Well, I Never."

[ashleydavis]

I think you cannot allow priest and pastors to claim to commune with God then convict a woman who claims to communicate with spirits on the grounds of her claims being unproven

[ingridfong-daley]

"Presage" is such a great word--hadn't heard it in a while; thanks!

[ChiquitaBanana-siqq]

You share horror, but hearing you share it is very soothing.

[Onora]

Duncan just preyed on the grief-stricken for money and attention. Nothing more. No different than the "mediums" on TV today. She just knew how to "cold read" the room. No hate to the people that bought it. If they got closure from it, good, but she was still lying and stealing from them.

[Housefwax]

I am from Portsmouth, and I know where she lived in Copnor road. I have walked by it many times. :) Class channel sir, very best wishes.

[karinac.]

🎉Friday is here and a new story is available! Never heard about it😮 thank you Sir, have a great weekend😊

[robingift]

What did they do with the cheese cloth, swallow it and then bring it back up?