Airey Neave

Airey Middleton Sheffield Neave (23 January 1916 – 30 March 1979) was a British soldier, lawyer, and politician. He is best known for his daring escape from Colditz Castle during World War II, his work as a Member of Parliament, and his role as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Early Life and Education

Airey Neave was born in Knightsbridge, London, into a prominent family. He was educated at Eton College, where he excelled academically and in sports. He went on to study at Merton College, Oxford, where he read Jurisprudence. Neave was called to the Bar in 1938, becoming a barrister at Inner Temple.

Military Career

With the outbreak of World War II, Neave joined the British Army and was commissioned into the Royal Artillery. He was sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force and was captured by German forces in 1940 during the Battle of France.

Escape from Colditz

Neave was held as a prisoner of war and was eventually sent to Colditz Castle, a high-security prison for Allied officers who had repeatedly attempted to escape. In January 1942, Neave became the first British officer to successfully escape from Colditz. He made his way across Germany and into Switzerland, eventually reaching England. His escape was celebrated and he was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery.

Post-War Career

After the war, Neave worked at the Nuremberg Trials, where he served as a war crimes investigator. He was instrumental in the prosecution of major Nazi war criminals.

Political Career

Neave entered politics as a member of the Conservative Party. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Abingdon in a by-election in 1953. Neave was known for his strong anti-communist stance and his support for the European Economic Community.

Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

In 1974, Neave was appointed as the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by Margaret Thatcher, the leader of the Conservative Party. He was a key figure in shaping the party's policy on Northern Ireland, advocating for a tough stance against the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

Assassination

On 30 March 1979, Airey Neave was assassinated by a car bomb planted by the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) in the car park of the Palace of Westminster. His death was a significant blow to the Conservative Party and to Margaret Thatcher personally, as he was a close advisor and ally.

Legacy

Airey Neave is remembered for his courage during the war, his contributions to British politics, and his dedication to the cause of peace and security in Northern Ireland. His life and career have been the subject of numerous books and documentaries.

Also see

• Colditz Castle
• Nuremberg Trials
• Conservative Party (UK)
• Margaret Thatcher
• Irish National Liberation Army