Pro Memoriam - to the Heros of the Great Escape

The Great Escape was a daring attempt by Allied airmen to escape from a German prisoner of war camp during World War II. The airmen displayed incredible courage and ingenuity in planning and executing their escape. Despite facing harsh reprisals, they never lost hope and their actions became a symbol of their indomitable spirit. While only a few were able to evade capture, their bravery and sacrifice continue to inspire others. The murders of 50 escapees by the Gestapo highlighted the brutality of the Nazi regime. The Great Escape remains a tragic event, symbolizing courage and sacrifice in the face of cruelty. The airmen deserve to be remembered and honored for their remarkable actions. The Great Escape The Great Escape is one of the most iconic events of World War II when Allied airmen attempted a daring escape from a German prisoner of war camp. This daring attempt was meticulously planned and executed by a group of brave airmen who were determined to regain their freedom. These airmen displayed incredible courage and ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds and their actions have become a symbol of their indomitable human spirit. The airmen who took part in the Great Escape were from various Allied countries including 20 British, 6 Canadian, 6 Polish, 5 Australian, 3 North African, 2 New Zealanders, 2 Norwegians, 1 Argentinian, 1 Belgian, 1 Czechoslovak, 1 French, 1 Greek and 1 Lithuanian. They were all skilled pilots and navigators who had been shot down during missions over enemy territory. Despite facing the prospect of spending the rest of the war in captivity these airmen never lost hope of regaining their freedom and returning to fight against tyranny. Planning and the execution of the Great Escape was a remarkable feat of intelligence and determination. The airmen spent months digging a tunnel under the wire fence of the prison camp using ingenuity and makeshift tools to keep their activities hidden from the German guards. They even constructed a makeshift air pump to supply fresh air to the tunnel diggers showing incredible resourcefulness and teamwork in the face of extreme adversity. On the night of the escape a total of 76 airmen made their way through the tunnel and out of the prison camp. Despite the meticulous planning and careful execution of their escape plan only a small number of the airmen were able to evade capture by the Germans. The rest were recaptured and subjected to harsh reprisals including 50 who were executed by the Gestapo. The bravery and sacrifice of these airmen in the face of such brutal treatment is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their cause and their comrades. The airmen of the Great Escape have become legends in the annals of military history and their story inspiring countless others to never give up in the face of impossible odds. Their courage and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity serve as a shining example of the best qualities of the human spirit. They may have ultimately been defeated by the enemy but their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all those who value freedom and justice. The three successful escapees were Per Bergslund and Jens Møller Norwegian pilots and Bram van der Stokke a Dutch pilot and made their way all across Europe taking different routes. Bergslund and Møller travelled north then caught a ship to Sweden and then back to Britain. Van der Stokke travelled across Germany and France through Spain where he reached the safety of the British consulate. The murder of the 50 escapees of the Great Escape was a tragic event that took place after this group of 73 allied prisoners tunneled out and escaped Stalag Luft 3 a top security state-of-the-art German prisoner of war camp. Following an unprecedented capture operation they were recaptured by the Gestapo despite being in compliance with the rules of war which stated that escaping prisoners could not be punished for attempting to escape infuriated Adolf Hitler personally ordered that all escapees be executed. It is said that only the fact that one of the prisoners held the surname of Churchill the number was reduced to 50. This shocking act highlighted the brutality and disregard for human life rampant within the Nazi regime. The murders served as a stark reminder of the dangers and consequences faced by soldiers attempting to break free from captivity under enemy forces. The Great Escape remains one of the most tragic and poignant events of World War II symbolising both courage and sacrifice in the face of unspeakable cruelty. In conclusion the airmen of the Great Escape deserve to be remembered and honoured for their remarkable courage and sacrifice. Their actions in the face of incredible odds serve as a reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most daunting challenges. The bravery and ingenuity of these airmen will never be forgotten and the story will continue to inspire generations to come. After the war 48 of the murdered 50 found their final resting place in the Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery. Incidentally the aforementioned Dick Churchill, the last survivor of the Great Escape died at 99 on February 26th 2019 at his home near Crediton, Devon, England.