Peter Sellers: Entertaining the Troops

Film: IWM ABY 67. Clip of Peter Sellers performing as part of an RAF Gang Show in Burma, January 1945.

Peter Sellers is one of the greatest character actors in the history of British cinema but did you know he served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War? 

Watch a hidden gem in the IWM film archive that showcases his talent at a young age. 

In 1943, Sellers joined the RAF with aspirations of becoming a pilot. However, due to poor eyesight, he was assigned to ground duties. Seeking a more engaging role, he auditioned for and was accepted into the RAF Gang Show, an entertainment troupe. Sellers toured military bases across the UK, India, Ceylon, and Burma, performing comedy sketches, musical numbers, and impersonations to boost troop morale.

His time in the RAF was pivotal in honing his performance skills and sparked a passion for acting.

Celebrating Peter Sellers at 100 

Peter Sellers' centenary is being celebrated throughout 2025, marking 100 years since his birth on 8th September, 1925.  To celebrate, the BFI curated a programme of films which best show off the brilliant characters he created. 

On 18 August, BFI Southbank presented Peter Sellers: Oddities and Rarities, a curated collection of TV appearances and interviews featuring Sellers. IWM film curators Charlotte Ross and Fiona Kelly were invited to speak about the RAF Gang Show film.  

Entertaining the Troops

The Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) was another organisation established in 1939 to provide entertainment for British armed forces personnel during the Second World War. See more famous faces in the IWM film archive including Noel Coward. 

Royal Air Force Film Production Unit

The RAFFPU was a unit of the British Royal Air Force that produced propaganda films depicting RAF personnel and aircraft both on the ground and in aerial action.  Contact the licensing team for further information and help with archive research.