100 Heroes: Michael Pitt-Rivers
The gay man whose persecution helped the push for decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK.
Michael Pitt-Rivers was a British military officer who was prosecuted for homosexuality in the 1950s.
His trial was instrumental in bringing public attention to the stringent laws against homosexual acts as they then stood, contributing to the push for decriminalisation.
Early life
Born in 1917, Pitt-Rivers came from a wealthy family.
He joined the British military, serving in WWII. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1946.
Prosecution
In the summer of 1953, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu offered his friend Peter Wildeblood the use of a beach hut near his country estate. Wildeblood brought with him two young RAF servicemen, Edward McNally and John Reynolds. The four were joined by Montagu's cousin Michael Pitt-Rivers.
For some reason, this gathering attracted the attention of the police. This was at a time when the police were actively persecuting gay men in the UK.
Montagu, Wildeblood, and Pitt-Rivers were arrested and charged with the crime of gay sex.
The two RAF servicemen gave evidence for the prosecution.
In March of 1954, the trial of Pitt-Rivers began. Pitt-Rivers denied the charges and also denied that he was homosexual. Pitt-Rivers was convicted and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.
The controversy and media coverage surrounding the trials of Montagu, Wildeblood, and Pitt-Rivers contributed to the establishment of the Wolfenden Committee and the eventual decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Later life
Pitt Rivers married Sonia Brownell in 1958 and they divorced in 1965.
His most significant relationship was with William Gronow-Davis.
Pitt-Rivers died in 1999, aged 82.
