To salute the 80th anniversary of the Great Escape and the recent article about POW Roger Mortimer by his son, Charlie Mortimer we present this discussion between Tom Assheton and James Jackson on Great Escapes – events that have captured the imagination for generations.  From the simplest adoption of disguise to the longest tunnels, both successful and failed attempts have entered the realm of legend.  Everyone knows the tale of the Great Escape, yet far fewer remember the names of those who dug myriad escape tunnels to confound the Germans and try to reach home. Colditz and Stalag Luft III have been the subject of television and the big screen.  But the real stories of boredom, fortitude, courage and starvation – and death – give a picture that is more layered and complex than most now imagine. 

1. Inertia 2. The Wild, the Wacky and the Simple Plan  3. Organisation  4. Equipment, Killing Time & Techniques  5. The Camps  6. Other Escapes

Readings:
First published by https://bloodyviolenthistory.com/episodes/escape in august 2021
Marcus Scriven interview with wartime POW Frank Day – 2 extracts
Escape & Evasion from the Counter Terrorism Handbook, James Jackson