Escape from Germany

Edited by Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork
Published by The National Archives

Published: 8 July 2009

During World War II, more than 5,000 RAF airman were clever – or lucky enough to avoid being captured by the Germans. But out of those who fell into enemy hands, just 27 were successful in their escape attempts.

In the years since World War II ended, many books – and also motion pictures – have focused on individual escape stories, such as the world-famous ‘Great Escape’ from Stalag Luft III camp, but now this book, which is based on records held at the National Archives, provides an anthology of all the airmen’s escape stories, revealing how they thought up their remarkable plans, and what made them a success.

The stories in Escape from Germany were originally compiled in 1951 for the Air Ministry’s top-secret records. It features the true stories of those who prepared and executed the escape plans, providing an insight into the psychological challenges and practical issues that they came across.

Escapees tried countless methods their bids for freedom – from switching identities with fellow prisoners or disguising themselves as ‘civvies’ to fashioning lock-picking tools – using what little resources they had to great effect.

Among the amazing stories recorded here are those of the Colditz escapees, who had been incarcerated in the 16th century castle because it was considered the safest place for them to be. It was often referred to as the ‘escapers’ gaol’.

After many failed attempts, six officers began digging a tunnel from the last place the Germans were likely to search; the Staff Sergeant’s office. The tunnel led to a clothing store, where they were able to acquire civilian disguises. A Dutch prisoner, dressed as a German NCO, then let his fellow detainees out of the shop, and the group calmly headed towards the prison exit. Their plans were so slick that an unwitting German guard even unlocked the gate for them.

Although, ultimately, a minority of prisoners succeeded in their escape attempts, the accounts detailed in this book prove that tight security and tough reprisals were no deterrent for these brave and innovative men, who proved that escape was, indeed, possible.