The Great Escape

24th March 1944: The nerve racking last moments as 200 RAF officers attempt to escape from Stalag Luft III

German guards on duty by one of the watch towers at Stalag Luft III, Sagan

The entrance to the "Harry" escape tunnel at Stalag Luft III, Sagan

In the POW camp of Stalag Luft III, a multi-national group of RAF officers had dedicated their time and energy to an unprecedented escape plan. During the course of 1943 three tunnels, 'Tom', 'Dick' and 'Harry' had been excavated. Only Harry remained at the beginning of 1944, after the Germans had built over the exit to Dick and discovered Tom. 200 officers now planned to make their escape in a single overnight breakout.

Corporal Karl Greise, one of the German guards known as "Rubberneck", in the entrance to the escape tunnel "Tom" at Stalag Luft III, Sagan.

All would travel down the 102 metre long tunnel on trollies pulled along wooden tracks. It was planned that they would emerge in woods away from the barbed wire fence, out of sight of the prison guards. With so many escaping they knew the Germans would mount a huge manhunt for them. The expectation was that at least some men would make a 'home run':

Ken Reese¹ had been actively involved in the tunnelling and on the evening of the 24th anxiously waited his turn in the queue:

The weather outside was as grim as it could be - well below freezing with lots of snow - so I dressed accordingly: long-johns, long-sleeved vest, thick pullover from my parcel, greatcoat and cloth cap. Our pockets were stuffed with matches, escape rations, maps, a compass, a tin oil light and tin can hopeful for any hot drink. Gloves, spare socks and some toiletries completed the kit; we thought we looked bad enough without having to add a few days stubble to our convict-like appearance.