Graffiti David Niven

Stourhead Estate was used by Army units during the second World War including the Grenadier Guards, 7th Devonshire Regiment and Liaison Regiment. Whilst there is no evidence left of the army presence, there is graffiti from one of the more famous officers in the local public house, the Spread Eagle Stourton.
James David Graham Niven, better known as David Niven had served in the British Army in the Highland Light Infantry between 1930-33 before leaving to seek his fame and fortune in Hollywood. At the outbreak of WW2 he returned to Great Britain and re-enlisted, He served with "Phantom" GHQ Liaison Regiment and for a period was based at Stourhead Estate. He had recently married Primula Susan Rollo and often brought her down from London to stay in the Spread Eagle pub where they etched their names in the window using a diamond ring.

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Source

• Text: Sharky Ward
• Photos: Anthony (Sharky) Ward