More about Oswald Rae :
Oswald Rae (1892–1967), born and raised in Reading, Berkshire, was an English magician.
In 1915 he joined the Royal Corps of Engineers and was on active service until 1918. In 1919 he was in Germany with the Army of Occupation. During the war he gave over 500 performances to troops in France, was personally thanked and complimented by General Lord Plumer.
On his return from Germany he joined a concert party at Exmouth, England, and stayed with them until 1921 when he became manager of DeMond's Concert Party Enterprises, Skegness. He continued with them in 1922, and then in 1923 went into vaudeville. Since then he has been doing mostly society entertaining.
During his act in 1937 he performed the following tricks: The Holdup Trick, silk to Match Box, the Pip Card, Ink bottle and Turnip, bill Trick. Oswald Rae had a great line of patter and making wonderful impressions during his act.
Oswald Rae appeared before the Queen of Belgium, Prince of Wales, Princess of Monaco, Duke of Grafton, Earl of Athlone, Marquis of Reading, etc.
In 1928 he formed the British Ring 25 along with half a dozen others and was its President until 1947. The Ring grew quickly and had at 1932 already over 50 members.
Rae had been a professional magician all his life and in 1965 celebrated his 50th year as a professional. His work was confined primarily to entertainments for private parties.
Oswald Rae passed away October 8, 1967 (age 74). He is survived by his wife, Margaret.
Books
• Practical Patter (1922)
• Between Ourselves (1926)
• Sub Rosa (1928)
• More Practical Patter (1929)
• Original Magic (1930)
• Wizardry with Watches (1938)
• The More You Watch (1939)
