Robert Liversidge facts for kids

Robert William Liversidge (born June 11, 1904 – died September 30, 1994), who was once known as Jacob (Jack) Perlsweig, was a British businessman. His activities sometimes caught the eye of the police and intelligence services. He was also thought to be a spy and became famous as someone held in Britain during the Second World War.

Early Life and Business

Robert Liversidge's parents, Asher and Sarah Perlsweig, were Jewish immigrants from Russia. His father was a rabbi. Robert was born in Harringay, London, and was one of eight children. He left school at 14 and later started working in financial services.

In 1928, some people he knew were accused of dishonest share dealings. An arrest warrant was issued for Liversidge, but it was never used. He later said he had met some dishonest people, but he always stated he had done nothing wrong.

Before 1931, he started using the name Liversidge. In 1931, he applied for a Canadian passport with this new name. He claimed he was born in Toronto and gave a wrong birth date. He later managed a recording studio in Hollywood and married an actress named Wanda Stevenson in 1936.

Liversidge came back to Britain in 1936 and became a successful businessman. He legally changed his name to Liversidge in September 1937. However, the police were told about his return, and his Canadian passport was taken away.

His business work led him to meet people connected to intelligence services and others who held different political views. He even provided some secrets to the War Office.

Service in World War II

Liversidge volunteered for the army in September 1938 and for the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in September 1939. He used the false birth date and place he had used for his Canadian passport. He became a Pilot Officer in November 1939. He worked as an intelligence officer in Bomber Command and Fighter Command.

At the start of the war, a rule called Defence Regulation 18B allowed people to be held without trial. In early 1940, intelligence services heard that some people were trying to get others released from a camp for money. Liversidge was investigated, and his false birth details were found. He was arrested in April and accused of making a false statement. During questioning, it was discovered that he was formerly Jack Perlsweig.

Reasons for Detention

There was no clear proof that Liversidge had "hostile associations" or had done anything harmful to public safety. However, the Secretary of State for Air, Sir Archibald Sinclair, recommended that Liversidge be held. He felt it was not good for someone with Liversidge's past, who had access to secret information, to be free.

The official reasons for holding Liversidge, given in October, mentioned "hostile associations." It was said that Liversidge had been connected with Germans and those linked to the German Secret Service.

Liversidge's lawyers asked for more details, but they were refused. A more detailed statement said Liversidge had a "very bad record." It mentioned his past business issues and the Canadian passport application. It also claimed he was involved in a fraud in New York City and was connected to other people viewed with suspicion by intelligence services.

The statement concluded that Liversidge was "completely unscrupulous." It suggested he might have been involved in actions harmful to public safety, even though there was no direct proof. It stated that because he knew valuable information, it was important for security that he remain held.

Internment and Appeal

On October 10, Liversidge appealed against his detention. He admitted the false information on his passport and using another name, but he denied any fraud or bad connections. People spoke well of his character, and his fiancée, Clare McCririck, also supported him.

The committee reported on October 15. They were concerned but felt that keeping him held was necessary because of the intense situation during the Battle of Britain. They recommended he stay detained.

Liversidge sued for false imprisonment, meaning he believed he was held unfairly. The government argued he was lawfully detained under the wartime rule. His case went all the way to the House of Lords, the highest court. The judges decided that during wartime, ministers could make decisions about national security without revealing all their reasons. So, Liversidge's detention was confirmed.

Release and Later Life

Just six days after the House of Lords made its decision, on November 9, 1941, it was decided there were no longer strong reasons to hold Liversidge. He was released on December 31, 1941.

After his release, Liversidge joined the National Fire Service. After the war, he became very wealthy through his business dealings. In 1948, he was called to a public inquiry, but he was cleared of any wrongdoing. Until his death, he remained upset about how he was treated during the war.