Jon Pertwee

1919 -- 1996

Most famous as the third Doctor, Jon Pertwee (born John Devon Roland Pertwee) was a very successful radio, TV and film actor.

Having served in the Royal Navy during the war (including a stint in Naval Intelligence), The Navy Lark was loosely based on his experiences. What was not explored was the horror of the near-miss; Pertwee was transferred off HMS Hood just before it was sunk with the loss of all but three hands. Instead, CPO Pertwee was one of radio's great rogues and familiar to anyone who had served in the armed forces during the war.

Married twice (his first wife was actress and writer Jean Marsh), Pertwee had two sons by his second marriage. His cousin was Bill Pertwee, who appeared in Beyond Our Ken and Round The Horne.