Escape from Germany

This unique contemporary account of prisoner of war escapes, prepared for the Air Ministry in 1951, draws upon first-hand experiences of Germany's notorious camps. It vividly portrays events at Colditz, the 'escapers' gaol', and at Stalag Luft III, where the famous tunnel is described by two of the officers who created it. Escape from Germany reveals the remarkable ingenuity of planning behind the attempts, from the hollowed-out vaulting horse which concealed active tunnellers to strategies for gathering intelligence, creating false documents and producing clothing and maps. It explores the success - and failure - of journeys outside the camps, as fugitive PoWs struggled to freedom inside beer barrels, leaping from trains or hidden in ships' coal bunkers. Dramatic true stories combine with powerful illustrations to celebrate the spirit and ingenuity of those who battled to be free.