'Nazi sympathiser' was eccentric

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A man suspected of Nazi sympathies after he tried to introduce a man to 1930s fascist leader Oswald Mosley was an "eccentric" obsessed with fascism.

Sidney John Pilling, from Merseyside, was also obsessed with rabbits and pigeons, medical reports released by the National Archives have revealed.

He was detained in 1940 after a rally attended by Sir Oswald in Southport.

Residents, believing Mr Pilling was a British Union of Fascists member, protested when he was released.

During the last three or four years he has had queer delusions...and gets crazes The medical officer at Liverpool Prison

The 64-year-old cotton trader, who was released on the grounds of senile dementia after just a month, was well known for his fascist views.

The archive reveals a resident, referred to as a G.F. Calder, said: "I am afraid he has been too clever for your prison medicals and has swung the lead successfully.

"He is now at large and can spread his views."

However, Dr H.K. Snell, the medical officer at Liverpool Prison, described him as a "hypochondriacal individual who was fading fast in prison".

Mr Pilling tried to introduce a local man to Sir Oswald Mosley

He stated: "He had a nervous breakdown at the time of the last war and they - [ his ] wife and son - say that during the last three or four years he has had queer delusions...and gets crazes.

"They cite, 'rabbits, pigeons and fascism.

"At other times he is obstinate and inclined to be cantankerous."

In a "rambling" petition for his freedom, Mr Pilling explained how he learned German while living in the country as a youngster and amassed a large collection of German national songs, which he thought would be valuable in 20 years' time.

He also claimed an album containing pictures of the Hitler Youth movement had been given to him in return for money he lent to a "Hitler Party man".

He was released without any further restrictions while other BUF members were detained for most of the war.