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**SOLDAT1** · 03-24-2014, 06:54 AM

Hi
Thanks for posting. R I P

**Volksgrenadier 44** · 03-24-2014, 08:16 AM

R.I.P Brave men.

Ross

**reichenberg** · 03-24-2014, 02:25 PM

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26712021

**stgeorge64** · 03-24-2014, 02:41 PM

I am really pleased that the anniversary seems to of been well recieved in the UK media, it did cross my mind that it would go virtually unnoticed.

I have always been interested in the 'Great Escape' and was lucky enough to visit the site of Stalag Luft III a few years ago, with a former RAF Wireless Operator who was held there (and at the satellite camp at Beleria) from when the camp opened until the 'Long March' when the camp was evacuated. It was amazing to hear the first-hand accounts of life inside the wire.

I have always felt that the murder of the 50 escapees has been largely forgotten, even downplayed. The determination and audacity of the men who made the escape happen, and those that actually escaped, is plain to see and should not be forgotten.

Thank you for putting the names of the murdered airmen up for all to see. I hope this thread is well received on this board.

Regards Richard.

**Seigfried** · 03-24-2014, 05:14 PM

Good post Richard, couldn't have put it better myself

RIP 'The 50'

**Totenhead** · 03-24-2014, 05:47 PM

Indeed, RIP the 50 !

**reichenberg** · 03-25-2014, 03:48 AM

Just a footnote for our American friends. The movie has often been criticised for including an American in the actual escape. While it's true that no American POWs took part in the escape itself, many did in fact help to dig the tunnels and prepare items for the escapees to use.

As the war progressed and more American airmen were being shot down during daylight raids, the Germans enlarged the camp by adding an extra area for U.S. airmen only. All of the Americans already in the camp were transferred to the new area, and all the work that they had put into the tunnels over almost 12 months was of no use to them as they were no longer able to take part.

**Edward** · 03-25-2014, 04:08 AM

Brave men. Thanks for the post.

**Aiceman** · 03-25-2014, 01:10 PM

Good to know these brave men who did their duty, and registered in the book of history
R.I.P.

**Opaque Hornet** · 03-25-2014, 02:13 PM

The author of the great Escape wrote arguably an even better book titled Escape or Die. Highly recommended.

http://www.amazon.com/Escape-Die-Pau...6Y50EC5GJ97614

Authentic stories of the R.A.F. escaping society. A magnificent record of daring, courage and endurance. The true stories of eight daring escapes from captivity by men of the RAF, each an epic, a feat that fires the imagination. Squadron Leader McCormac's horrifying and amazing escape from Malaya to Australia by way of Java. The air gunner who was helped by a Stettin prostitute. The escape from Sicily to Switzerland of a fighter pilot left for dead by a German firing squad. The bomber crew saved by a miracle in the desert. The navigator who escaped to the Russians and rode in a Cossack cavalry charge.

The Malaya escape was 5 months. The bomber crew escape 200 mile behind enemy lines in North Africa is unbelievable.

**reichenberg** · 03-26-2014, 10:26 AM

On a lighter note, there's an excellent programme on youtube called 'The Welsh Great Escape' which tells the story of 70 German POWs, mostly SS, who tunnelled out of a POW camp a few weeks before the end of the war. It's an interesting story with it's lighter side and even funny in places, and no tragic ending, although one SS officer does get peed on! It's cut into 3 parts, Welsh1,2 and 3.

**Bernie Brule** · 03-26-2014, 10:48 AM

Most people don't know that Canadians figured prominently in The Great Escape. My mother-in-law worked with a guy who took part. They engineered most of the digging.

http://wcam.mb.ca/2946/2946/

**stgeorge64** · 03-26-2014, 01:17 PM

Originally posted by Bernie Brule View Post

Most people don't know that Canadians figured prominently in The Great Escape.

Bernie

You are indeed correct in that Flt Lt Wally Floody of the RCAF (employed as a miner in Ontario before the war) was instrumental in the design of the tunnels at Stalag Luft III.

Along with 19 other RAF prisoners, he was transferred to the satelite camp at Beleria after catching the suspicions of the German guards just prior to the escape taking place. He was employed as a technical advisor for the film 'The Great Escape' and was photographed with Steve McQueen during the filming.

I could talk for hours on this subject!

Regards Richard.

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The Great Escape 70 yers on.

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