Allied POWs Escape from Stalag Luft III
March 24th, 1944
March 24th, 1944
How Long Ago?
80 years, 11 months, 19 days ago
Location
Stalag Luft III, Sagan, Germany
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War II
People
- Roger Bushell
- David Crook
- Hugh McWatter
- Johnnie Dodge
- Leslie C. D. Smith
Links & References
- World War II
- Allies of World War II
- The Great Escape (film)
- German prisoner-of-war camps in World War II
- Stalag Luft III
Tags
Allied POWs Escape from Stalag Luft III
Seventy-six Allied prisoners of war escaped from Stalag Luft III, a German POW camp. The meticulously planned breakout, codenamed 'Operation Eternal Freedom,' utilized tunnels dug beneath the camp to facilitate the escape. The event involved significant teamwork and ingenuity among the captives as they sought their freedom from captivity during World War II. Their determination and bravery exemplified the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Seventy-six POWs escaped through dug tunnels.
Operation Eternal Freedom aimed for Allied freedom.
The breakout inspired the film The Great Escape.
Only three of the escapees successfully evaded capture.
What Happened?
In March 1944, the Allied prisoners of war held at Stalag Luft III, a German POW camp near Sagan (modern-day Żagań, Poland), executed a daring escape plan that would become legendary. Known as Operation Eternal Freedom, the breakout was meticulously organized by a group of prisoners led by British flight officer Roger Bushell. After spending months digging three tunnels, codenamed 'Tom', 'Dick', and 'Harry', the prisoners aimed to secure their escape to freedom by using these underground passages. The tunnels were designed to help them evade the watchful eyes of German guards.
Why Does it Matter?
The Great Escape not only exemplified the bravery and resilience of Allied soldiers during World War II but also highlighted the strength of camaraderie among prisoners. Though only 3 of the 76 escapees were ultimately successful in evading capture, this event inspired numerous stories and films, notably the 1963 movie 'The Great Escape,' which has kept the tale alive in popular culture.
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