how many prisoners actually escaped in the great escape

Discover the true story behind the Great Escape and learn how many prisoners actually managed to break free.

The Great Escape was a daring attempt by allied prisoners of war (POWs) to escape from the German Stalag Luft III prison camp during World War II. The escape was meticulously planned and executed by a group of prisoners, but in the end, not all of them were able to make it to freedom. In this article, we delve into the history of the Great Escape and explore the different aspects that led to its success and failure.

The History of the Great Escape

The Stalag Luft III prison camp was located near Sagan, in the German province of Silesia (now Poland). It was one of the most secure and heavily guarded prison camps during the war, housing allied airmen who were captured after their aircraft were shot down by the Germans. The camp was designed to hold a maximum of 10,000 POWs, but by March 1944, it held over 11,000 prisoners.

The Great Escape was a mass escape attempt by Allied prisoners of war from the Stalag Luft III camp on the night of March 24-25, 1944. The plan was to dig three tunnels, named Tom, Dick, and Harry, and use them to escape. The tunnels were dug by hand, using improvised tools, and were over 100 feet long. The escape was planned to be carried out in stages, with the first group of 200 prisoners leaving the camp on the night of the escape.

Despite the meticulous planning and execution of the escape, only 76 prisoners managed to escape before the alarm was raised. Of those, only three made it to safety, while the rest were recaptured and returned to the camp. The escape was a major embarrassment for the Germans, and led to a crackdown on the prisoners, with many being transferred to other camps or put in solitary confinement.

The Plan for the Escape

A group of POWs led by Squadron Leader Roger Bushell came up with a plan for a mass escape to free as many prisoners as possible. The plan was to dig three tunnels, “Tom,” “Dick,” and “Harry,” to allow prisoners to escape from the camp undetected. The tunnels were located in a remote corner of the camp and were dug using improvised tools such as spoons, trowels, and a bellows made from a vacuum cleaner.

The plan for the escape was a massive undertaking that required a great deal of coordination and secrecy. The prisoners had to work in shifts to dig the tunnels, and they had to dispose of the dirt in a way that wouldn’t arouse suspicion. They also had to create fake documents and clothing to help them blend in once they escaped.

Despite the challenges, the prisoners were determined to succeed. They worked tirelessly for months, and eventually, the tunnels were completed. On the night of the escape, 76 prisoners managed to make it out of the camp through the tunnels. Unfortunately, many of them were recaptured, and 50 were executed by the Gestapo as a warning to others.

The Role of the Different Nationalities in the Escape Attempt

The prisoners involved in the escape attempt came from different nationalities, including British, Canadian, Australian, and even American. Each nationality had a specific role in the escape plan, such as digging the tunnels, forging documents, and even making civilian clothing to disguise themselves after they had escaped.

The British prisoners were responsible for digging the tunnels, as they had experience in mining and engineering. The Canadians were in charge of forging documents, as they had access to the necessary materials and equipment. The Australians were tasked with creating the civilian clothing, as they had experience in sewing and tailoring. The Americans, who were a minority in the group, were responsible for gathering intelligence and providing support in any way they could.

Despite the challenges of working with people from different backgrounds and nationalities, the prisoners were able to come together and work towards a common goal. They formed strong bonds and friendships during their time in captivity, which helped them to trust and rely on each other during the escape attempt. Although the escape ultimately failed, the bravery and ingenuity of these men continue to inspire people around the world today.

The Construction of the Tunnels

The construction of the tunnels was a daunting task that took months to complete. The tunnels were dug by hand and were about 30 feet deep and 2 feet in diameter. The prisoners had to work in shifts to avoid detection, and they used a system of tunnels and chambers to conceal their activities. The tunnels were also supported by wooden shoring to prevent collapses.

Despite the precautions taken by the prisoners, the construction of the tunnels was not without its risks. There were several instances where the tunnels collapsed, trapping workers underground. In one such incident, several prisoners were injured and had to be rescued by their fellow inmates.

Once the tunnels were completed, the prisoners used them to carry out a daring escape plan. They dug their way out of the prison and emerged on the other side of the fence, where they were able to make their escape. Although some were eventually recaptured, the escape remains one of the most audacious in the history of the prison system.

The Challenges Faced During the Construction of the Tunnels

The construction of the tunnels was fraught with challenges, including the risk of discovery by the Germans, the lack of equipment and resources, and the difficulty of keeping the tunnels hidden from the guards. The prisoners also had to contend with flooding and other hazards during the digging process, which slowed down their progress.

Despite these challenges, the prisoners persevered and managed to complete the tunnels. However, their efforts were not without sacrifice. Many prisoners suffered from exhaustion, illness, and injury during the construction process. Some even lost their lives due to the dangerous conditions.

Once the tunnels were completed, the prisoners faced new challenges in their escape attempts. They had to navigate through unfamiliar terrain, avoid detection by the guards, and find a way to blend in with the local population. Despite these obstacles, many prisoners were able to successfully escape through the tunnels and regain their freedom.

The Equipment Used to Construct the Tunnels

The prisoners had to use improvised tools and materials to construct the tunnels, including bed boards, spoons, and even a homemade bellow made from a vacuum cleaner. They also used lamps made from wax and toilet paper to light the tunnels, and they built a ventilation system powered by a bicycle wheel to circulate air.

How the Prisoners Managed to Conceal their Activities from the Guards

The prisoners employed a variety of techniques to conceal their tunneling activities from the guards. These included building false walls and floors to hide the tunnels, making noise to cover up the sound of digging, and using radio transmitters to monitor the Germans’ movements. They also spread debris around the barracks to make it look like they were cleaning up after a bombing raid.

In addition to these techniques, the prisoners also created a system of lookout posts to keep watch for approaching guards. They would use a series of signals, such as whistles and hand gestures, to alert each other of any potential danger. The prisoners also made sure to only work on the tunnels during times when the guards were less likely to be patrolling, such as during meal times or at night. Despite the constant threat of discovery, the prisoners were able to successfully carry out their escape plan and tunnel to freedom.

The Preparation for the Escape

The preparation for the escape was intense and involved forging documents, preparing civilian clothes, and even building a replica of the camp’s perimeter fence to practice their escape routes. The prisoners also had to train themselves to walk silently, speak German, and navigate using the stars.

How Long it Took to Plan and Prepare for the Escape

It took the prisoners over a year to plan and prepare for the escape, from digging the tunnels to preparing their escape equipment and forging documents. The escape was set for March 24, 1944, and involved over 200 prisoners who were split into groups of three to escape through the tunnels.

The Day of the Escape

The day of the escape was marked by a number of setbacks, including the discovery of one of the tunnels by the Germans and the delay caused by the need to repair it. Despite these setbacks, the escape went ahead as planned, and over 70 prisoners managed to escape through the tunnels into the surrounding countryside.

What Happened During the Actual Escape Attempt?

During the actual escape attempt, the prisoners faced a number of challenges, such as getting through a thick forest without being detected, avoiding German patrols, and finding food and shelter. Some of the prisoners managed to make their way to safety in Sweden, while others were captured and sent back to the camp.

How Many Prisoners Were Involved in the Escape Attempt?

Over 200 prisoners were involved in the escape attempt, but only 76 of them managed to escape through the tunnels. The others were either recaptured or killed during the attempt. The 76 who escaped were made up of 46 British, 20 Canadian, 6 Australian, 2 New Zealanders, and 2 Norwegians.

The Fate of Those Who Escaped and Those Who Were Recaptured

Of the 76 prisoners who escaped through the tunnels, only three made it to safety in neutral Sweden. The others were either recaptured or killed by the Germans. Hitler personally ordered the execution of 50 of the recaptured prisoners, which was a clear violation of the Geneva Convention.

The Impact of the Great Escape on World War II and Beyond

The Great Escape became a symbol of defiance and resistance against Nazi tyranny and inspired many people around the world. It also had a significant impact on the course of the war, as the Germans diverted resources and manpower to hunt down the escaped prisoners. The escape also reinforced the idea that escape and evasion were important skills for soldiers to learn.

Lessons Learned from the Great Escape

The Great Escape taught us many lessons about the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and ingenuity in the face of adversity. It also highlighted the need for better treatment of POWs and the importance of upholding the principles of the Geneva Convention. The escape also demonstrated that escape and evasion were skills that could be taught and learned, and that gave hope to many soldiers.

The Legacy of the Great Escape

The legacy of the Great Escape lives on today, as a heroic example of the indomitable spirit of the human soul in the face of unimaginable adversity. It has inspired books, movies, and documentaries, and has become a historical event that is studied and revered by people around the world.

Comparing this Escape with Other Famous Prison Escapes

The Great Escape is one of the most famous prison escapes in history and is often compared with other famous escapes such as the Alcatraz escape. While different in terms of location and details, these escapes share a common theme of human determination and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

Retrospective Analysis of What Could Have Been Done Differently to Avoid Detection

Retrospective analysis of the Great Escape has identified several areas where the plan could have been improved to avoid detection by the Germans. These include better hiding of the tunnels, more effective security measures to prevent informers from betraying the escape, and contingency plans for dealing with unforeseen complications.

What Happened to Those Who Were Eventually Rescued After a Successful Escape Attempt?

The three prisoners who made it to neutral Sweden after the Great Escape were eventually repatriated to their home countries and honored for their bravery. They are remembered today as heroic individuals who risked everything in the pursuit of freedom.

In conclusion, the Great Escape was a daring and audacious attempt by Allied prisoners of war to escape from the clutches of the Nazis. While not all of the prisoners managed to make it to freedom, their bravery and determination will always be remembered as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. The Great Escape remains a timeless story of courage and resilience that continues to inspire people around the world.