The Jordan Harbinger Show 935: Ben Macintyre | Escaping from a Nazi Fortress Prison
Dec 21, 2023
In this engaging conversation, Ben Macintyre, author of 'Prisoners of the Castle,' shares the thrilling tales of Colditz Castle, a notorious Nazi POW camp. He describes how it became a competitive 'escape university' for Allied officers. Listeners will be captivated by stories of ingenious escape attempts, from hand-dug tunnels to homemade gliders. Macintyre also discusses the complex dynamics among prisoners and guards, revealing a mix of camaraderie and rivalry. His insights on the officers' resourcefulness and the absurdity of their situations make for an unforgettable listen.
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Failed Disguise Escape
- A prisoner disguised as a guard attempted escape with two accomplices.
- Their disguises included fake mustaches and fabricated uniforms, but the attempt failed.
Colditz: An Escape University
- Putting all the most difficult prisoners in one place created an "escape university."
- Colditz's inefficient layout, with its many hidden passages and tunnels, facilitated escape attempts.
The Colditz Glider
- Prisoners built a glider from bedposts, floorboards, and mattress covers soaked in porridge.
- They planned to catapult it off the roof, demonstrating the ingenuity of escape attempts.
