Stalag Luft III: The POWs Who Escaped The Nazi Fortress | WW2 Prisoners of War |Timeline

[@TimelineChannel]

Sign up to History Hit with code 'timeline' for 80% off bit.ly/TimelineSignUp

[@tiddiesattic]

Who can direct me to a great, in detail documentary on exactly how they pulled it off??

[@peterfinn7450]

@@sunray8458 00p00pu0p

[@gerrygrzywinskl6135]

Love this movie bring it back to you tube videos

[@gowlan]

@Laurena Bayon kolokkkkl kkk klkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkklkkkkkkklkklkkkkkkkkllklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkklkkkkkklkkklkkllkklkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkk klkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkllklkkklkkkkkkkk kklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkllkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkllklkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkllklkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkllklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkllklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkllklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkllkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklklllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllłkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkklkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkikkkikkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkikkkkkkkkkkkkiiiikkkkkiiiiikiikikikiiikikiikkkiiiikkkiikikikkikkkikiiiiiikikiiiikkiikkkkiiikkiikikikiikiiiikkikkikkikikkikiiiikikkiikiiiiikikikikkikikiikikkkikiikkiiiikiiikkikikikikikikkiokikkikkkkiikikiiikkkikiokkikiikikiiiiikikoiioikikkkikikoikikiikikkkkiiikkkiiikikikikkiiiiikkikkikkiikiiiokkikikkikiikoikiikkkkkikkiikiokkkkkkikkikkikikikiikiiiikikiikkiikkkkkikkiiikikkikikikikkikikiiikikkkkkikkiikkoiiikikikkiiiiikikikkikkkiiikikkkkikikkikiikkikkkkkkiiikkikikkikkkkkokiikikikiiiiikikikokikkkkkikkikiikkkikiikkikoikkkkkikkkiikikiikkkkoiikikkkkioiikikkkikikiikkkokoiikikiokkkikoiikkkiokikkiikkkiikkiikkkikiikoiiokkkikokkiikikikkkikkikkiikikikkikikikkikkkikkkkkkiiiikkikkikkkkkiikioikkkiiiikkiikkkokiokiikokkikkikokkikkkkkkiiikkikòiikikoikkokiioikkkkiiikiikkkikkikikkkoiiiikiiòikiikkikkiikikikokikkkoikiiiokkkkiikkkikikòkkkikiokiikikioikkikikoiiikiiiiiioioikkikiòkkkkiioioiioiiiiiikoooiòiiioooiioiòiiiiiiiiiiooòikikòoioiiiòio. MuhjyuhjmhmNj,hjhhj,rrff

[@t16205]

Kinda weird making a video about the POWs who escaped, when the 3 who actually escaped is barely mentioned.

[@waynelund6895]

Les Broderick was my class teacher in my first year of high school. Despite all our nagging, he would never tell us what happened during his escape. A lovely man. A real gentleman.

[@gurpreetsidhubobbysidhu399]

Good to know a Hero

[@gurpreetsidhubobbysidhu399]

Hero of Circumstances

[@amandaallen7378]

Wow!! To be taught by a real hero..I hope that you always remember

[@mieke9815]

Wow that’s amazing! You must’ve learned some amazing things from him

[@TheAmandahc]

@@gurpreetsidhubobbysidhu399 what does that actually mean and what did you do jn order to give sn opinion about bravery????

[@robertahubert9155]

My heart is racing. Tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. That these men are still alive to tell their stories is a miracle.

[@Roz-y2d]

👍🏻❤️

[@wannaduckfin]

I so appreciate that our dad told us stories of his service in WWll. Served as a radio man in planes and as scout in England, Africa, and Italy. He wanted us to know the price paid for our liberty. Thank you Dad🇺🇸

[@alicel3992]

I wish others could have shared their stories, their experiences, their thoughts. But going back in the past can be brutally painful.

[@dajjukunrama5695]

Ah yes liberty… of course, war is peace, weakness is strength, hate is love

[@dajjukunrama5695]

Jew

[@twstf8905]

I'm thinking he's unlikely to ever see that comment. lol just FYI 😊

[@Ngaruthi]

Why exactly was he fighting in Africa? We (Africans) were forced by white people to join their militaries and fought in Europe and Burma. We didn't have a stake in the first White People War or the Second White People Tribal war which I understand you call World Wars. It was just white people tribal wars

[@arnie8604]

I say a simple "thank you" to all these brave young men.

[@maxwellfan55]

I'll second that. Brave, exceptional men, not prepared to to accept captivity. Their fate an absolute unforgivable disgrace to Germany.

[@joebutera1406]

Ill piggy back on that as well...amazing Men with heart for miles..i simply give gratitude and respect for soldiers and ones who fallen..#UnitedStatesStrength

[@giuseppenero110]

A fine line between bravery and stupidity. In this case I think the latter.

[@nycdweller]

I can’t imagine the crybabies of today doing what these men of yesteryear did. Bravo!

[@TheLegacy222]

It’s crazy to think a whole generation grew up to go to war

[@gailcarey3597]

My father was a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft 3. Thank you for this documentary.

[@TheDutchCommentator]

facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1467382473384958&set=p.1467382473384958

[@deethebee80]

@user-vb2re8yp2vwhat an awful comment !

[@Roz-y2d]

❤️

[@tombrown8829]

In high school, my Jewish German teacher of 3 years, she and her husband were separated to different camps. They agreed to meet at a certain place ,if they survived, after the war. She went there and the area had been reduced to rubble by allied bombing. Distraught, she went to a local assistance place since there was no place to go. She walked in and ,there, was her husband who had faith in her to survive. She escaped from the camp she was in by going thru a sewer tunnel that was a horrendous place. She came out in a forest with her escapees, and managed to escape the nazis to get free. And she ended up as a high school German, Russian, and Hebrew teacher in my high school smack in the middle of usa. I am so extremely fortunate to have known her. I was president of the German club, so I got to talk to her a lot. Out of the classroom, we were equals. The stories she related to me were the stuff of great movies, and never were revealed to the people. That 100 lb woman simultaneously intimidated me, enamored me, exposed the ability to be humbled, and to never be dishonest to my opinion She gave me. Best teacher ever. RIP Anna.teurer lehrerin

[@diouranke]

Ihre tolle Lehrerin

[@jimmyhenderson9761]

wow, this is the stuff you could never make up.

[@benisaten]

May they all be remembered forever. My grandfather was a scout all over Europe for the Allies. Respects from 🇨🇦

[@1gallimaufry]

These men had balls of steel. I found myself getting anxious just watching this. I cant imagine what these men were thinking waiting their turn to enter the tunnel. Or the feeling of popping up out of the tunnel not knowing what is waiting. Brave does not even begin to describe this act.

[@shanemanchester]

1gallimaufry Agreed. I love watching the film. I wonder how I’d be in a situation like that!

[@susannahwhite7561]

The love of freedom!!!

[@thomaskipfer1008]

I'm still in awe of the Great Escape. I read book, own video, seen this documentary twice. These men had no choice. In the movie, "it is the duty of a captured officer to escape." They faced their hardships with bravery and courage. We remember!

[@daveglover6115]

Even when captured, they never gave up fighting and they were prepared to die for freedom. Brave men that gave themselves for ours! RIP you are not forgotten.

[@eiresaoirse3258]

They'd be rolling in their graves looking at how their country turned out ,giving their lives for nothing in the end...poor men...

[@DarkPsy]

"freedom" lol

[@frankzappaspussy7362]

or just silly fecking idiots together with all of the rest who put on the fancy dress and mindlessly followed orders.. RAF murdering thousands of civilians - many of them women and children earns a medal and a monument.. while shooting combatants out of uniform which is permitted by the Geneva Convention is considered the worst of crimes ??!!

[@haroldfiedler6549]

I wonder if their crimes of mass murder of German women and children will be forgotten? Or will history finally expose their genocide against the German people.

[@ledge1984]

Harold Fiedler your acting like victims, your country killed 6 millions Jews and 10s of millions through war,

[@mnd1955]

I was given a copy of Paul Brickhill's book for my 10th birthday by a teacher of mine who had been a POW in Germany. I still have it, well-worn and dog-eared but I read it from time to time and remember those men of courage who didn't come home.

[@starrystarrynight9822]

Any chance your teacher was Lee Broderick, one of the actual escapees?

[@Andy-ty2ni]

i really appreciate the stories added in the comment section here...their legacy lives on...and we are all the better for it....eternal respect for these wonderful men, their brave spirits are a testament to the human spirit!..

[@fnln544]

Honorable men who fought and resisted evil and tyranny. Heroes all. And the men who tirelessly, effectively investigated the murders.

[@davesmiddy1254]

Mr. Les Broderick a survivor in this documentary was my class and math teacher in standard 6 at Kingsway High School, Amanzimtoti, Natal, South Africa. He was a true gentleman. Thank you all who served to allow us the freedom that we enjoy today. Without their commitment life would be very different today.

[@justlucky8254]

I just read a comment from a fella on here named Wayne Lund who said a similar comment about Les being a teacher of his during his first year of high school. Maybe you know the guy so I thought I'd mention it. Take care.

[@waynelund6895]

@@justlucky8254 : I remember Smiddy although he was older than me.

[@schmuelsonsradang4301]

A sad end to most of these brave young men. I have heard first hand accounts of British and Australian POWs who escaped from the Japanese prison camp in British Malaya and Singapore, having met and talked to some of them has been a life changing experience to me. These young men are the the heroes of freedom and liberty. There will always be a place in our hearts for these brave young men.

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

Freedom amd Liberty have nothing to do with it. Neither really exist anyway. If most of the WW1 and WW2 generatios could see what the regimes of the Allied countries did to their own people they would have stayed home!

[@tuckin96]

These men were superheroes. I have the utmost respect for all veterans. Like my ww2 vet grandpa used to say " a man that bleeds with me is my brother". God bless them.

[@ronburnie1155]

Sent me

[@Bunker_dilemma]

I sometimes wonder what has happened to this generation, these men were just freaking heroes.

[@stevenlemerson534]

Simple mind. This generation are all playing war games as if it is real and they are John Rambo. What a disrespectful bunch of punks they are. Having to go to war would terrify them as it would anyone including myself. Just imagine how the real war veterans feel as they watch their grown grandkids playing war games on a screen. These video games are an insult to real war heroes

[@kristinebailey2804]

What has happened is the brainwashing in our schools by the liberal left.

[@phyllisgiaconia5852]

The March of time has happened. That was people like we will never see again.

[@dafuqmr13]

Talking about edgy people in this comment section

[@gtimny]

@@kristinebailey2804 You, however, have no brain to wash. Keep repeating your Trumpist garbage if it makes you feel better. You've only got more 63 days...

[@MidnightAndLuna]

I salute all the brave men and women who, even when captured and in the most trying times, never backed down from what they believed in and never gave up or gave in.

[@rickrayn]

My Dad took me to see the "The Great Escape" movie. Afterwards he said that he knew some of those who were in the escape. My father was a navigator in the RCAF No. 6 Group. His last mission was August 8, 1944 which was also his birthday.

[@MohammedAli-mf7ts]

rickrayn hi

[@perspellman]

Bless him. Did he think the Movie was realistic?

[@iconoclast1399]

is there any difference between your father being ordered to bomb women and children and other innocents and the Gestapo who were ordered to kill the escapes.

[@MrBobthebird]

@@iconoclast1399 Trust A Idiot Like You To Call Out Of Your Sewer ,His Father Didn't Start the war but helped very much in stopping it.

[@iconoclast1399]

@@MrBobthebird The point is that he was technically guilty of war crimes as were many of the allied soldiers and generals but it was OK because he was on the side that won the war. It is the hypocrisy of this that I was pointing out. The truth as Patton said " we were fighting the wrong enemy. My father was in The Battle of The Bulge. Reality is reality regardless how ugly it is.

[@robertbishop5357]

Considering the circumstances they were faced with it was an incredibly successful endeavor under impossible odds and conditions. God bless these brave and ingenious men. To hear one of the escapees state that it wasn't worth the 50 dieing was,quite interesting.

[@vivians9392]

I agree,, no endeavor was worth the lives of these brave men, since the outcome would still have been victory for the Allies! So sad their lives were cut so short...

[@vivians9392]

I can only ponder what good things would have been in store for them in the future had they remained prisoners to be later freed...but, the idea of escape at all costs was deeply ingrained into their psyche.

[@routmaster38]

@@vivians9392 They wanted to resume their fight to destroy the nazis,

[@RamonaRayTodosSantosBCS]

So sad, my daddy miraculously survived the war. That’s why I’m here.

[@charlenemorris4166]

World War II

[@sinakamali2868]

Ha ha ha

[@ancamg]

My grandpa survived WW I and my dad survived WWII, both in European part of war. My grandpa god injured, and while in hospital, he fell in love with one of the nurses. After the war ended, they married. Yes, if my grandpa and dad didn't survive, I wouldn't be here writing this message

[@Tony7534]

Same here my Dad was a Polish soldier survived Monti Casino but at a price and married his nurse lol Irish Polish and a British veteran RAMC

[@lollypop2413]

@@Tony7534 thank your father from me. My mother was polish pow 4yrs old and survived!

[@JacktheHand]

While the 100,000 were looking for them , they were kept from doing something else. Respect !

[@chowder8802]

Good point!

[@irfanbaloch7425]

What an excellent documentary, brought tears to my eyes

[@annettehadley9718]

Mine Too !

[@brahim119]

Respect to those brave people, may their souls rest in peace.

[@adielstephenson2929]

Such a good documentary. I've seen it so many times and come back to it once a year, to remember these brave men.

[@jackrabbit5047]

These were good men. They deserved far better. We honour them. We shall never see the like again. Lest we forget.

[@davenix604]

Jack Rabbit Agreed brother!Lest we forget.

[@tracytron7162]

I wish we would never see it again. But as we speak, fascism is rising yet again, this time from within America itself....

[@timothyclift5945]

Hope we never see this thing happen again, but I believe the youth would stand up against tyranny, good people always prevail. And the future is bright the youth are smart I’m only thirty but they’re are some quite remarkable people, if ww3 happens the weapons will be far from what any of us could imagine

[@fumblerooskie]

@@DarkPsy Literally? Really? Where are whiles being killed en masse?

[@DarkPsy]

@@fumblerooskie Less than 9% of the world population is white. When we say Africa for Africans, Asia for Asians, then everyone agrees, but if we say Europe foe Europeans then it becomes a hate crime? We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.,

[@alanscott3589]

In memory of our kinsman, my Dad's cousin, Clement Neville McGarr, who was murdered so callously. A P40 Tomahawk pilot from Durban, South Africa.

[@antonioacevedo5200]

Alan Scott- Why is it that I feel bad for the German executed for murdering those two POW's? How do you feel about him? Wasn't he, in a weird way, a victim too? What would you have done in his shoes?

[@mr.michigan9289]

@@antonioacevedo5200 I do feel sympathy for the German officer as he was doomed requardless of his choice, his life and family's well being were in jeopardy, I'm sure there were many gun ho Germans but I'm also sure just as many civilians and soldiers did their duty to country reluctantly, and German propaganda brainwashed them for so many years, I am of Polish heritage on both sides of my family and I can't imagine what my relatives went through it saddens me even now. I'm not making ecquses for others actions but there was just was no escaping for so many. on all sides

[@epriedane]

@@mr.michigan9289 Not surprised with you. How many Jews was given up to Gestapo by Polish people!?

[@Scree1972]

@@epriedane None!

[@davidc3839]

@@antonioacevedo5200 He shouldn't have joined the Gestapo.

[@LauraBidingCitizen]

What an emotional video, my gosh. Why didn’t I learn about things like this when I was in school? I’d have been far more interested in subjects like this than the type of planes flown during WWII - which I had absolutely no interest in whatsoever. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the eyes of these brave, elderly gentlemen as they spoke of hearing that gunshot go off as they were in that tunnel about to escape; it was almost like they were reliving that sound all over again. The way they spoke to fondly of their fellow comrades, & the bravery by all of them, just made me realise that despite none of them knowing one another when thrown into that camp together, they became a unit, they became friends, & they never forgot one another. As much as I understand that elderly gentlemen at the end saying none of it was ‘worth it’, sadly hindsight is a wonderful thing. They all feared by staying they were sitting ducks, waiting for their untimely death. If they attempted escape - there was a risk of dying, if they stayed, they’d die ‘anyway’; at least that was the overall feeling & consensus amongst them I’m sure, & I truly believe those that sadly died would have rather died trying. If only those who escaped knew that they’d likely have survived.. but they didn’t know that. What brave men / soldiers they all were; & what brave family’s they had back home.. wondering for months, if not years, whether they’d see their loved ones again, & *still* having to carry on regardless.

[@michaelmeatheringham312]

Technically when one remembers, retells, recounts or any re whatever they do, they relive the encounter.

[@lemr88]

Have you never heard of the film the great escape with Steve McQueen? No judgement just curious. You must be young. The movie was far before my time but it's my favourite ever

[@LauraBidingCitizen]

@@lemr88 Nope, not until I watched this. I’m not sure I’d call 35 years old ‘young’ but thank you for the compliment nevertheless.

[@lemr88]

@@LauraBidingCitizen lol I'm 10 years older so no you arent

[@ancamg]

For all who were part of this extraordinary escape rest in peace! we will never forget what you did.

[@toddshaw2554]

“He’s not a war hero,” said Trump. “He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”

[@mjs2016]

@@toddshaw2554 I hope you've recovered 2 years later. God bless.

[@sylvester63]

The ability to demonstrate high morale and strength of character in the face of all adversity is the example war heroes set for us, often at peril to their lives. RAF Squadron Leader Roger Joyce Bushell was one such war hero.

[@adielstephenson2929]

I've lost count of the number of times I've seen this. Such a great documentary.

[@evanstj5]

A very moving story. Such decent young men brutally and unjustly put to death.

[@chuckwilcox560]

In 1970 the real 'Tunnel King', Wally Floody, came to my Air Cadet squadron in Hamilton to give a 90 minute talk on his role in the whole affair.

[@TheDutchCommentator]

facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1467382473384958&set=p.1467382473384958

[@billfarley9167]

I attended the Great Escape opening in Toronto back in the day at Loew's theatre on Yonge St. Wally Flood spoke to the audience before the movie started.

[@mountaintransport4518]

@@billfarley9167 you mentioned Yonge st. I am from Boston. On Younger st you can buy all sorts of naughty things

[@ecklecticgal7009]

Videos like this should be played over and over. The horrors of the concentration camps shown again and again so that new generations never forget. I understand when Eisenhower first walked through one of the camps he said, "Take pictures, lots of pictures; otherwise some SOB is going to say it never happened." He was right; that's what some are saying in recent years.

[@garpikemike1]

Agreed. This is what should be taught in history class. I live in Canada and would rather my kids be shown these documentaries instead of learning about the stupid Avro Arrow and the story of Celine Dionne. Yah yah yah we made a plane and some loud mouthed big bird looking broad was born in Quebec.

[@johnhardman3]

Read about how the U.S. allowed German war-criminals to leave prison early, after only a few years in many cases, even when they had had an active part in murdering thousands of civilians. This early release was said to have been necessary to get the W. Germans "on board" in the fight against the Commies.

[@jimmyhenderson9761]

@@johnhardman3 they claimed to be obeying orders. Those who registered a complaint against following orders, that was proven by record, were not charged and released. Herman Goring had a good case for following orders, when he had 10 Canadians Pilots executed, also for escape, I think, but the Nuremburg court disallowed his defense, advising he was high enough up to have concealed not killing them, and so he was hanged. Death by hanging was considered a disgraceful death in the German military. Goring would not likely have contested a firing squad, but was outraged that he was to be hanged. He contested it bitterly. He tried suicide, but while still warm the order was carried out. Before he died he declared that killing these pilots was the greatest military error made by him, during the war, and the one he regretted the most.

[@johnstevens9673]

Why would anyone dislike such a well done documentary story of the great escape. Very Well Done. I am an amateur historian myself and my studies have been in WWII. If you ever need any assistance with any of your programs please dont hesitate to ask. Thank you for a superbly done story that honors these heros.

[@mrb5491]

The fallen are all honorable men....and we are humbled by their mutual and individual sacrifice! Thank you all! You are NOT forgotten. You stood for and represented liberty for all!

[@boztv1472]

Guadalcanal Diary

[@arsenal10141014]

Wonderful to see the survivors tell the story of these brave heroes.

[@elrjames7799]

This documentary / drama is very well done: Derek Jacobi narrating and fascinating contributions from former inmates.

[@bruced.campbell4498]

True, but the Closed Captioning is atrocious. Whoever was responsible should be sacked.

[@markwinkler1367]

My Father spent 3 years in this camp.The worse was at the end of war when they FORCED MARCHED the POWS in the direction of Berlin.My Dad was RCAF Wireless/Tailgunner on a Wellington.The 19 year old Pilot went down with the plane,the rest got out and played cat and mouse with the Nazis for a few days. Subsequent generations really cannot understand this Era.

[@toddshaw2554]

“He’s not a war hero,” said Trump. “He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”

[@davidc3839]

@@toddshaw2554 Says Trump, the man who dodged serving, by feigning a health problem. People like Bush and Trump are good at sending people to war but never go themselves. I'm just echoing your sentiments :)

[@robhaynes1998]

I also would like to state that so many people say this and that draft dodging and etc, and i don't know how many i have called out beeing of age to have entered and been shipped off to war but by luck their numbers wasnt called or selected to serve and they have a right to bash someone who may or may not of been able to go to war, they should be more ashamed having others have to go because they are to coward themselves to volunteer, yet will use the very freedom they have now days to bash on people about something they really have no clue about because they didtn even make a sacrifice either

[@mxplk]

Include the Democrats who did not serve in the Military: Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Al Gore, and ALL of the current Democratic presidential front-runners--Biden, Sanders, and Warren.

[@robingrace1899]

@@toddshaw2554 You are exactly what I told my children not to do. I will pray for your Parents. Shame on you.

[@patriciabracken7546]

Rest in peace. All those brave men. Lest we forget.

[@tsegaberhane2238]

Amen ❤️

[@kerrimuir1]

Amen❤️

[@del2591]

Let perpetual light shine upon them; may their souls & the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God R.I.P ✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️🙏

[@Daniel14556]

I cannot even fathom the thought of being in a country where EVERY SINGLE SOLDIER IS LOOKING FOR YOU. It's absolutely terrifying to me.

[@denisecampbell6736]

As a Disabled Person, there’s a reason why I am so grateful to these amazing People who fought in WWII. Both those who made it home & those who lay in the Cemetaries alongside my Uncle in Oxford. As I said the other night to my Sister last week, I'm Disabled & under no doubt have any illusions of what would’ve happened to me. If they & their Comrades in Arms hadn’t prevailed…It chills me to the bone sometimes. That's why I tell a WWII Veteran, "Thank you for my Life." My heart aches knowing I won’t be able to do that for much longer. 😢

[@bradmccosker2172]

I admire and respect these men and their eternal attention to duty and keeping the Nazis confused and bewildered. Probably wasn’t worth 50 lives but in the big picture these men who were captives still kept their captors busy and distracted. Well done and thank you 🙏 .f

[@jamesburke2110]

Yes, but they didn't die in captivity...as prisoners

[@ambmainman]

They will always be held in high regard and legends of history!

[@oh8wingman]

When I was about 16 I was going out with a girl whose Father was a WWII vet in the Navy. One night we were sitting in the basement of her house watching TV. The movie that was on was "The Great Escape". About 5 minutes into the movie her Father and a friend of his came downstairs for some reason or other and they asked what movie we were watching and we told them "The Great Escape." Her Father and his friend sat down and started to watch with us. As we watched the movie her Fathers friend would say every few minutes, "That didn't happen" or give a derisive snort. It was annoying and finally, during a commercial break, I asked him why he kept critiquing the movie. He looked me straight in the eye and said, "I was there. That's why I know what happened and what didn't." After that I listened to his comments carefully and when the movie was over I asked if he could tell me what it was really like in Stalag III. He spent the next hour regaling us with his tales of what he remembered. The detail of his memories convinced me beyond any reasonable doubt that he was the real deal. One of the things he got a little choked up about was when he told us about being told about the 50 men that would never be coming back. Some of those men were good friends of his............

[@filmsbynix]

RIP to these brave souls

[@jrutherford2190]

They chose to escape

[@2steelshells]

@Sebastian Grain think there's a bridge missing it's troll .

[@maryshaffer8474]

Escape or for many slowly due of illness or starvation hmm what to do, what to do. Knowing local laws was important too.

[@liamcraddock9539]

@Y T you probably aren't even a millionth of the man that they were

[@toddshaw2554]

“He’s not a war hero,” said Trump. “He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”

[@starfire746]

Can't imagine what these brave guys have gone through. What really is disturbing was that I had a grade 3 teacher telling us that the war never happened. Sad.

[@jenniferfields1084]

Sad

[@shirleyross6037]

Attempting to change history doesn’t change what happened and the brave souls that sacrificed their life for our freedom. They accepted the risk to continue their fight against oppression and tyranny. We must remember the sacrifices given by brave people for our brighter future.

[@lollypop2413]

It happened. Father british sas located belsen bergan on recon...mother was polish pow sent to siberia. Whoever says it didnt happen is a liar

[@petermontagnon4440]

RIP Bothers!!! My Father was wounded and a POW while serving with the Patrica's.I later became a Patrica from Winnipeg as well.

[@GdHr-oz5ph]

Deep gratitude for each and every person who has fought for freedom from tyranny and evil.♥️

[@slimmorden5771]

Canadian history records a German prisoner of war who escaped an Ontario prison camp. got all the way to British Columbia before being captured and returned. Upon his return the prison commander shook his hand in congratulations for a noble effort.

[@armstronggermany2995]

That is the difference between us and them.

[@micheln7569]

I think that was Oberleutnant Franz von Werra, see www.pegasusarchive.org/pow/franz_von_werra.htm

[@andrewallen9993]

And that is the difference between Canadian and German civilization and culture.

[@marquisdelafayette1929]

andrew allen even in America most POWs were given freedom and worked on farms bc the men were serving and needed labor except they were treated so well most stayed and never went back.

[@davenix604]

Ha ha, he should have just stayed in Canada, why go back to Germany ..

[@marcheijnen9475]

The Dutch spitfire pilot Bram van der Stok is 1 of the 2 who made it succesfully back to the UK he was the most decoreded Dutch pilot ever.

[@paulwebb6087]

There were three successful escapers

[@jeffadams9807]

Decorated...

[@Randomthingsforyuo]

This was one of the best docs I’ve seen in my life, they don’t make docs like these anymore, the movie could’ve been better, why’d they all wanna go to Switzerland when half the group could’ve went there and the rest somewhere else

[@philinaweddington4077]

Survivor: “Was it worth it? ::pause:: “I don’t think so” I must disagree. The life of even one man successfully escaping, living, carrying and sharing the memory of those that did survive, is very much worth it. I can not ever fully grasp the depth of what must be survivors guilt, but I want to say I have immense gratitude for all involved.

[@charleslavers4563]

And the families of those that were murdered……??? What did they think of say when asked, if at all?

[@kwyzi]

constantly disgusted by the wickedness of those Nazis

[@14rnr]

Me also.

[@karlcaton3337]

They were beasts well at least a large majority of them was

[@falconmoose1589]

@Osel Somar Operation Keel Hull.

[@berni9977]

Not all of them but the bad ones really did cause so much death and destruction

[@Pfsif]

The Russians made the Germans look like angles, especially what they did to their own.

[@BritinIsrael]

All were very brave men. I salute them all.

[@NYRM1974]

I thank them all for their gallantry and honored service...... Bless them all.

[@ChezzaAU]

What a moving documentary, so sad. Thanks for uploading ~ Lest We Forget ~ None of us should ever forget those lives so cruelly taken in all wars, as well as those who have returned having put their lives on the line for our freedom.

[@juliasearles6060]

I get so emotional with pride. Lest we forget

[@wannaduckfin]

Julia Searles same here

[@will2000ism]

If you want all the stuff that this left out read Paul Brickhill's book of The Great Escape. It covers in great detail the people involved, the plans, the escape and the aftermath. Especially the tracking down of the Gestapo agents involved in the murders.

[@AnMadreMor]

Another book that you might want check out is "The Longest Tunnel" by Alan Burgess. He was a serving RAF officer during and after the war and hence privy to information not available to Paul Brickhill. It pretty well details the planning and execution of the actual escape and subsequent investigation and bringing to justice, the perpetrators at the end of the war. I know that its been said that there were no Americans involved in the escape but when war broke out some of them headed north and joined the RCAF. American,George Harsh [a remarkable man] was one and with his background seemed to fit in pretty well with Roger Bushell but I'll let you figure out his roll with the escapers. On another note I've read various accounts that between 12,000 to 20,000 Canadians fought in Vietnam. I had a personal friend [a Canadian who joined the USMC] who finally succumbed to his wounds a year or so back. He lived in the US while I spent my time in the Canadian Forces but as we were friends we managed to stay in touch until his passing. By the way if you are interested in the book by Alan Burgess, my copy is soft-cover published by Blue Jacket books ISBN1-59114-097-8. I found my copy in a second hand bookstore. Cheers ;-]

[@howardfortyfive9676]

I read the book in grade school. You see Dad did his bit in WWII and I came along after...

[@TheDutchCommentator]

facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1467382473384958&set=p.1467382473384958

[@davidyoung5114]

I got to know one of the Luft Stalag III prisoners, Gerald McKeil, a Canadian flight officer here in Lunenburg, N.S. before he passed several years ago. He assisted in the efforts to get the men out, but wasn't chosen to go 'under the wire'. He knew most of those involved, and belonged to the Association that preserved the memory of the 50 officers murdered by the Gestapo. I learned very quickly not to mention the movie THE GREAT ESCAPE, as it involved Americans, who had little to do with the actual escape!

[@Davydownunder1]

Such brave men under incredible odds against them. 100,000 troops out looking for the escaped POW’s is incredible . Even if the weather had of been better, there chances would have have still been very slim. RIP to the 50 servicemen.

[@firstlast1047]

While serving with the US military in Germany in 1962, I was assigned to a detachment in the vicinity of the German movie studio, Bavaria Films. During filming of "The Great Escape" we would hear small arms fire and an occasional explosion. After watching this video " The True Story..." , I can appreciate the enormous sacrifices made by the allied prisoners. The Hollywood version...if you read "the fine print" , as in most productions only have the disclaimer, "based on true events" . Documentaries they ain't.

[@ShevillMathers]

Evil triumphs when good men do nothing- as this record illustrates, sadly all too well. There are no winners in war, only survivors, all pay a price. I salute all those brave souls who paid the ultimate price, and all those who fought an honourable fight so that the world may be a better place.

[@johntait491]

Very well made and sensitive documentary. Thank you.

[@negan2747]

he had frostbite on his toes he couldn't have attempted to escape he could hardly walk that give me goosebumps at least justice was served for these soldiers

[@raymondyee2008]

This documentary was seen on Nat Geo Australia and boy did it shatter what I thought of the Great Escape given that I first saw the 1963 movie.

[@jerryraketti5794]

Dr. Murphy (my Orthopedic Guy in the 70's) was stuck in the Tunnel. He had Drawings of the Camp in his Calgary Office.

[@kbanks20262026]

Pop 👀 bm l

[@kbanks20262026]

Lo P

[@waynewright5023]

A detainee would *NEVER* be allowed to keep his neck tie. Those tiny details are important..

[@SgtBooker44]

Paul Brickhill’s book is a excellent read.

[@TheGeezzer]

All the old soldiers interviewed in this documentary are now deceased. Alex Cassie (Forger) Died aged 95 in 2012 RIP. Bertram "Jimmy" James (escaper) Died aged 92 in 2008 RIP. Jack Lyon (escaper) Died aged 101 in 2019 RIP. Les Brodrick (escaper) Died aged 92 in 2013 RIP.

[@Senaleb]

wow they all lived to really long life, that's impressive.

[@c4tl4dy76]

Thanks for doing that research. I always wonder about what the non-expert people in these documentaries are up to now. May their memories be blessings to those lucky enough to have known them.

[@TheGeezzer]

@@c4tl4dy76 Thanks, it was sad research that infused no pleasure whatsoever, just grey neutrality.

[@howey935]

My great uncle Joe was missing presumed dead when he was actually in a Japanese POW camp. He turned up after the war and then the letter telling my auntie he was still alive came 2 days later. Apparently he came back looking like it was a concentration camp he was in he’d lost all his teeth and finger and toe nails and was a shadow of the man he was and it took years for him to get back to about 75% health and fitness he was. These things should never be forgotten and should be taught in schools forever more because once people forget it will happen again.

[@Prostar369]

Prior to what today is known as The Great Escape, a one hundred percent successful escape took place out of Sagan, Stalag Luft III, such was The Wooden Horse escape in which all three escapers were able to return safely to Great Britain.

[@philgiglio9656]

Great book.

[@glennpickard2239]

I love the story of the Wooden Horse. I have the book. Did anyone make a film about the escape ?

[@TheDutchCommentator]

facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1467382473384958&set=p.1467382473384958

[@sheilaboston7051]

I was fascinated by the story of prisoners in Colditz who built a glider in an attic. The war ended before they finished it, but an experiment years later saw the glider re-created, following the plans and using the same materials, and they discovered that it would have flown! Some of these guys were geniuses.

[@angelobugini6771]

It's a fascinating and poignant documentary! I truly did appreciate it so much. Thanks a lot for sharing! Keep it up!

[@only1dutchgirl]

Such a moving documentary.

[@skolsuper8447]

I bow my head to these Brazen men.

[@string-bag]

Nationalities of the 50 executed prisoners United Kingdom 20 British Canada 6 Canadian Poland 6 Polish Australia 5 Australian South Africa 3 South African New Zealand 2 New Zealander Norway 2 Norwegian Argentina 1 Argentinian Belgium 1 Belgian Czechoslovakia 1 Czechoslovak France 1 French Greece 1 Greek Lithuania 1 Lithuanian

[@shanemanchester]

K Grant thanks for that, m8. I’d never realised the breadth of nationalities.

[@davidvanniekerk3813]

Dankie K. Grant. I also looked the nationalities. 3 South Africans and 1 Dutch. I see you registered Arnold Christenson as a Belgium.

[@tonemarieantonsen1597]

Do anyone know name of the 2 Norwegians 🤔

[@hunnybSue]

I'm a kiwi, and equally in awe of everyone who was in the war. One of my grandfathers served in the 2nd world war.

[@raymundjoseph4072]

Excellent documentary. Great men. May their rest in peace.

[@dragonflyhill5748]

It breaks my heart.

[@TheRody1968]

Amazing people God bless them all Greetings fro Italy

[@christophermartin2741]

The sad part is lives was lost for freedom

[@parkerhunt7826]

I had met through work Capt. Charles Shaw. He was an American and he joined the Canadian Royal Air Force and fought in Britain and after Pearl Harbor he transfered to the Army Air Corp and was in the 351st Bomber Group with Clark Gable. He was part of the Great Escape but it got shut down before he could get into the tunnel. He was played by Steve McQueen in the movie and he said 1. I didn't drive a motorcycle. 2. I was not one of the 76, I was later in the line 3. In the aftermath I tried to escape by bicycle and got caught 4. Later I made an escape on my own and this time I was successful. It was my 5th escape attempt and 5. I never wore a German uniform during the escape nor would I. That was automatic grounds to be executed on both sides, you just did not wear another nation's uniform.

[@ultimtdisc]

"Steve McQueen, in a role based on at least three pilots, David M. Jones, John Dortch Lewis and William Ash."

[@dave-in-nj9393]

I thought Steve McQueen was based on Ash. AKA the Cooler King, 13 attempts, tunnels, over wire, general disobediance... etc.

[@prayergate8388]

Sorry ... something not right with this story. My Dad was with the 351st and spent 2 1/2 years in Stalag Luft 3 at Sagan until it was evacuated. There were no Americans in the British Compound. The American compound in the camp was definitely separate from the British compound ... the Germans did not mix the nationalities. The "Cooler King" was a Hollywood fabrication based on real events. Many prisoners spent time in the "cooler"!

[@swillswill]

Hmph! And all along I believed that Steve McQueen was really one of the 76. Damned Hollywood.

[@danmetlfab]

@@prayergate8388 Well, I loved the movie-and Steve McQueen-anyway. :) I wonder if we could bear to watch the reality.

[@ALEXMcKenzie-k7m]

My Great Uncle was a Polish Airmen who was involved in the Great Escape

[@chrisbrent7487]

The 50 were a real mix of nationalities too. There were 5 Aussies, a couple of Kiwis, 6 Canadians, maybe 6 Norwegians, a bunch of Poles a 3 South Africans and 1 Lithuanian, 1 French, 1 Belgian and 1 Greek and a Czech and British that made up the rest.

[@staubyns16]

There were three Kiwis. Fl/Lt Arnold Christensen, Pl/Off Porokohu (Johnny) Pohe & Sqn Ldr John Williams

[@donaldauguston9740]

This was an exceptionally well done documentary. Thank you for posting. DA

[@dimasarayan2327]

"EVIL PREVAILS WHEN GOOD MEN TOLERATED THE ACTS AND DID NOTHING ABOUT IT"-DUANNEE MC

[@jamesburke2110]

Where was God during all of this?

[@k.p.5736]

Brave wonderful men , who were part of one the best generations in history , can’t help but salute these people in my mind everyday ...!!!

[@johnnyblaze6945]

my partner’s great uncle was a flight sergeant, 51 squadron and was part of the great escape recaptured and buried in the poznan old garrison cemetery .. he was also new zealand’s first maori pilot ..

[@sheilaboston7051]

Wow! I read there were two Kiwis in the 50 who were murdered. What an epic part of history.

[@staubyns16]

Your partner's great uncle was F/O Porokoru (Johnny) Pohe? The other two airmen who were murdered from New Zealand were Ft/Lt Arnold (Arnie) Christensen and Sqn Ldr John Williams (DFC).

[@boblamb2810]

At very least we in Europe can speak to each other now. Peace brothers and sisters please ❤️

[@mgz_lxw4492]

bob lamb one of my best friends is German and ww2 comes up all the time, we always talk about his grandad and never argue as it is reconciled now

[@moviestarmemories630]

Well kudos for you...we should have just left you to it.And TWO World Wars, no less.From where I sit Europe is a holy mess right now.Glad my uncle didn;t see it.He was 104th Infantry Division Timberwolves,US Army Nightfighters.

[@historybuff5994]

These men were strong patriots--a great virtue and noble calling to all who read this. Fight for what is right.

[@christopherdean1326]

I have just read a book about this, and learned that one of the fifty was a distant relation of one of my best friends. I also found out that the famous "Wooden Horse" escape took place at the same camp, at the same time!

[@davestanley357]

This inspiring story reminds me of the brave people who saw something that offended them on Twitter, yet managed to survive against all odds.

[@UguysRnuts]

I was introduced to sailing by George Pearson, Stalag Luft III POW and document forger.

[@howdy268]

Brave brave Heroes RIP "I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him." Booker T.

[@JohnKennedy-ty9xj]

What the youth of today takes for granted ,these men gave their lives to ensure a future for tomorrow's children

[@SerchhipChelsea]

Brave soldiers, thank you making a better world for us. Respect!

[@donaldlamkin1305]

Great video. I'm used to seeing documentaries on this subject focusing mainly on the technical aspects of the escape from the camp.

[@peterpeterson5916]

Victory was ours in the end ..RiP all who lost their lives we will not forget them

[@woden5132]

A great victory to now be replaced under the Kalergi plan. The Nazis would not have allowed this to happen to western Europe.

[@yogibear5321]

It's my hometown ,in Poland now ,in Germany before WW2.Located not farther than 30 km to the east from current German-Polish border.

[@nmm0343]

So unlucky he made it all the way to the Switzerland border... I think I’d 100% would of swam across a river or climbed a mountain at night to get into Switzerland. I wouldn’t of had the balls to try what he did. Wish he got there