The great Escape. World War II Tunnels Unearthed, after 70 years. A Must See
Dec 30, 2012 02:51:02 #
Untouched for almost seven decades, the tunnel used in the Great Escape has finally been unearthed.
The 111-yard passage nicknamed 'Harry' by Allied prisoners was sealed by the Germans after the audacious break-out from the POW camp Stalag Luft III in western Poland .
Despite huge interest in the subject, encouraged by the film starring Steve McQueen, the tunnel remained undisturbed over the decades because it was behind the Iron Curtain and the Soviet authorities had no interest in its significance.But at last British archaeologists have excavated it, and discovered its remarkable secrets.
Many of the bed boards which had been joined together to stop it collapsing were still in position.
And the ventilation shaft, ingeniously crafted from used powdered milk containers known as Klim Tins, remained in working order.
Scattered throughout the tunnel, which is 30ft below ground, were bits of old metal buckets, hammers and crowbars which were used to hollow out the route.
A total of 600 prisoners worked on three tunnels at the same time. They were nicknamed Tom, Dick and Harry and were just 2 ft square for most of their length.
It was on the night of March 24 and 25, 1944, that 76 Allied airmen escaped through Harry.
Barely a third of the 200 prisoners - many in fake German uniforms and civilian outfits and carrying false identity papers - who were meant to slip away managed to leave before the alarm was raised when escapee number 77 was spotted.
Only three made it back to Britain . Another 50 were executed by firing squad on the orders of Adolf Hitler, who was furious after learning of the breach of security.
In all, 90 boards from bunk beds, 62 tables, 34 chairs and 76 benches, as well as thousands of items including knives, spoons, forks, towels and blankets, were squirrelled away by the Allied prisoners to aid the escape plan under the noses of their captors.
Although the Hollywood movie suggested otherwise, NO Americans were involved in the operation. Most were British, and the others were from Canada , (all the tunnellers were Canadian personnel with backgrounds in mining) Poland , New Zealand , Australia , and South Africa .
The latest dig, over three weeks in August, located the entrance to Harry, which was originally concealed under a stove in Hut 104.
The team also found another tunnel, called George, whose exact position had not been charted. It was never used as the 2,000 prisoners were forced to march to other camps as the Red Army approached in January 1945.
Watching the excavation was Gordie King, 91, an RAF radio operator, who was 140th in line to use Harry and therefore missed out.
'This brings back such bitter-sweet memories,' he said as he wiped away tears. 'I'm amazed by what they've found.'
The 111-yard passage nicknamed 'Harry' by Allied prisoners was sealed by the Germans after the audacious break-out from the POW camp Stalag Luft III in western Poland .
Despite huge interest in the subject, encouraged by the film starring Steve McQueen, the tunnel remained undisturbed over the decades because it was behind the Iron Curtain and the Soviet authorities had no interest in its significance.But at last British archaeologists have excavated it, and discovered its remarkable secrets.
Many of the bed boards which had been joined together to stop it collapsing were still in position.
And the ventilation shaft, ingeniously crafted from used powdered milk containers known as Klim Tins, remained in working order.
Scattered throughout the tunnel, which is 30ft below ground, were bits of old metal buckets, hammers and crowbars which were used to hollow out the route.
A total of 600 prisoners worked on three tunnels at the same time. They were nicknamed Tom, Dick and Harry and were just 2 ft square for most of their length.
It was on the night of March 24 and 25, 1944, that 76 Allied airmen escaped through Harry.
Barely a third of the 200 prisoners - many in fake German uniforms and civilian outfits and carrying false identity papers - who were meant to slip away managed to leave before the alarm was raised when escapee number 77 was spotted.
Only three made it back to Britain . Another 50 were executed by firing squad on the orders of Adolf Hitler, who was furious after learning of the breach of security.
In all, 90 boards from bunk beds, 62 tables, 34 chairs and 76 benches, as well as thousands of items including knives, spoons, forks, towels and blankets, were squirrelled away by the Allied prisoners to aid the escape plan under the noses of their captors.
Although the Hollywood movie suggested otherwise, NO Americans were involved in the operation. Most were British, and the others were from Canada , (all the tunnellers were Canadian personnel with backgrounds in mining) Poland , New Zealand , Australia , and South Africa .
The latest dig, over three weeks in August, located the entrance to Harry, which was originally concealed under a stove in Hut 104.
The team also found another tunnel, called George, whose exact position had not been charted. It was never used as the 2,000 prisoners were forced to march to other camps as the Red Army approached in January 1945.
Watching the excavation was Gordie King, 91, an RAF radio operator, who was 140th in line to use Harry and therefore missed out.
'This brings back such bitter-sweet memories,' he said as he wiped away tears. 'I'm amazed by what they've found.'
Ater 7 decades rediscovered
Tunnel vision: A tunnel reconstruction showing the trolley system.
The site of the tunnel, recently excavated by British archaeologists
Bitter-sweet memories: Gordie King, 91, made an emotional return to Stalag Luft III.
Dec 30, 2012 03:15:11 #
Thank you for those amazing pictures. The ingenuity and bravery of these men must be admired.
Dec 30, 2012 03:27:55 #
Terfyn
Thanks for looking and I fully agree with your comments.
The outcome was very sad, but to attempt escaping was
their duty to themselves. They new the price they would pay if recaptured and many paid the ultimate price. A story that should be told. Many on here are senior citizens and will appreciate it's significance at this time of year, I'm sure.
Thanks for looking and I fully agree with your comments.
The outcome was very sad, but to attempt escaping was
their duty to themselves. They new the price they would pay if recaptured and many paid the ultimate price. A story that should be told. Many on here are senior citizens and will appreciate it's significance at this time of year, I'm sure.
Dec 30, 2012 07:36:15 #
Thank you Graham..
This was a very important part of History,with
Many lives lost in the process of escape.Just viewing the photos gives us insight to what these determined men went through for the price of freedom.
This was a very important part of History,with
Many lives lost in the process of escape.Just viewing the photos gives us insight to what these determined men went through for the price of freedom.
Dec 30, 2012 08:31:39 #
Nice one Graham, think I saw the docu. on telly. Fascinating stuff, and happy new year to you.
Dec 30, 2012 08:51:30 #
Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed the accurate history lesson. The resolve these men possessed is admirable.
But Steve McQueen did a wicked job on the motorcycle.....
But Steve McQueen did a wicked job on the motorcycle.....
Dec 30, 2012 14:20:48 #
Dec 30, 2012 21:39:47 #
Dec 31, 2012 03:52:23 #
Colo43 - cockney greg - BuddyLars - Frapha - ace-mt
Thanks for looking. It's facts like these, that make 'some of us' realise how
fortunate we have been. We don't realise the real full horror of war and
suffering these brave men encountered. It's information like his that enables us
to see what did really happen, so we can remember these brave souls and rightly so IMHO.
Have a Great New Year, without the actions of the likes of these Brave soldiers, things could be a lot, lot different.
Thanks for looking. It's facts like these, that make 'some of us' realise how
fortunate we have been. We don't realise the real full horror of war and
suffering these brave men encountered. It's information like his that enables us
to see what did really happen, so we can remember these brave souls and rightly so IMHO.
Have a Great New Year, without the actions of the likes of these Brave soldiers, things could be a lot, lot different.
Dec 31, 2012 07:39:20 #
Thank you, Graham and Happy New year to you as well.
Graham Thirkill wrote:
Colo43 - cockney greg - BuddyLars - Frapha - ace... (show quote)
Dec 31, 2012 09:42:18 #
Graham Thirkill wrote:
Untouched for almost seven decades, the tunnel use... (show quote)
I think the quote on the Iwo Jima Memorial applies here ten fold:
"Where uncommon valor was a common virtue"
I love history and archaeological findings, thanks for the info.
Dec 31, 2012 10:32:59 #
Very interesting and very cool! Thank you Graham. When I was a kid I used to love to read about WWII escape stories - and this one was the greatest of them all!
Dec 31, 2012 12:38:15 #
Great share, Graham. Simply amazing the sheer range of what the human spirit is capable of!
Dec 31, 2012 14:29:01 #
Thankyou Graham, All nations friend or foe have their stories of heroism, valour etc this is a classic and these and other events such as this should never be forgotten, if we are to progress as a human race..A Very Happy New Year..regards
Dec 31, 2012 14:40:30 #
Robbie
I agree with you wholeheartedly. In a perfect world, what you say would be obvious, and peace on earth should be everyone's aim.
Unfortunately that is just a pipe-dream. But people like us can day dream, if only for a few minutes.
Have a Wonderful New Year, Robbie
All the Best to You & Your Loved Ones, Graham Thirkill
I agree with you wholeheartedly. In a perfect world, what you say would be obvious, and peace on earth should be everyone's aim.
Unfortunately that is just a pipe-dream. But people like us can day dream, if only for a few minutes.
Have a Wonderful New Year, Robbie
All the Best to You & Your Loved Ones, Graham Thirkill
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