That's okay, he's not the most famous person.

I really do not know....ask someone from England on here maybe?

It's a hard question. As I said earlier I would be impressed if anyone gets it.

Here is much easier one.
25 June 1903 – 21 January 1950
English
Literature

I really gotta bone up on my English history. I had never even heard of the Baron's War, or 2nd Baron's war for that matter. Very obscure person....kinda like the Boris Godunov of English

George Orwell

Henry de Montford?

Baron's War is a big clue. But I think there were 3 or 4 de Montforts?
This could take a while...the only ones I remember were Henry and Simon. And only then because of the University.

It was Simon.

Wow Ok.

Are you from De Montfort University?

You people are TOO good at history. Like shit man, I envy you guys.

No, I live in Melbourne. It's pretty cool how they named a uni after him.

I'm not that good. I just know a variety of random facts. More width than depth, which isn't exactly good.

George Orwell correct.

I dunno if this guy qualifies as "famous" or not. I imagine he's a bit of a celebrity to history buffs that studied the major conflict in which he was involved, but he's no George Orwell.

26 July 1913 - June 2000
Australian
Soldier [hint because this is so broad -- was taken POW in WWII]

I have a feeling only WWII buffs are going to get this... I'll be delighted if not.

Weary Dunlop?

Nein, but two things --

(1) the person I'm thinking of and Dunlop were in an internment camp together;
(2) thank you for introducing me to Dunlop

Now I know who you mean. But I had to look it up. Famous story, but still be surprised if anyone gets it.

What is your nationality PE?

I had to look it up as well. Personally never heard of that story, but its a pretty epic survival

Heh, don't feel bad. If it weren't so awesome I wouldn't have posted it because I figured it was extremely obscure.

Anyway, I'm American.

Have you read the book? I haven't but I saw a mini-series when I was a kid with Brian Brown and Rachel Ward. Brian Brown played the guy you are talking about. Sorry that might give it a way.

Haha. I've heard of both, but not seen them. My late grandfather served in the navy during WWII and had heard the story and told it to me.

Simon de Montfort was pretty significant. He ruled England for a year. Apart from Oliver Cromwell did any other non-royals do that?

Roger Mortimer ruled for awhile after he and Isabella deposed Edward II (1320's).

I think Simon de Monfort is more significant because it was the first of its kind ever (possibly). My Australian history is pretty sketchy, its mostly boring as hell.

It seems like no is ever going to get this. If the people we are trying to guess become so obscure perhaps they are not "famous dead people" as the title of this game asks for?

Perhaps we could have 2 forum threads - a fun one for famous dead people like this one and another one entitled "Name the obscure dead person"?

I'll tell mine at noon my time (2 hours) if no one gets it -- don't want to stall forever. I just figured the story would be more well-known. I didn't intend to pick someone this obscure ;>_>

...if, of course, I can get on my computer in time...

Anyway, the person was Ringer Edwards. The reason I considered him 'famous' enough for the list is that, from what I understand from my grandfather, he was a bit of a celebrity in Australia after the war -- if I'm wrong, I apologize.

Anyway, I'm sure you're all wondering who the hell he is. He was taken POW by the Japanese in WWII and sent to the Burma Railway camp. He was caught taking cattle to feed himself and his compatriots and was sentenced to death by crucifixion -- but after surviving SIXTY-THREE hours on the cross, he was let down. He managed to survive the war and, from what it sounds like, led a pretty long and, I hope, happy life from there.

If nothing else, you can all thank me for giving you such an inspirational, awesome story... even if you hate me for picking someone so obscure! =P

Whoever wants to go next can.