NOVA Season 28 Episode 10 Nazi Prison Escape

Fifty inmates of a Nazi prison in Poland were determined to escape. And even though they were locked in their cells every night, they managed to do just that. The prisoners dug a 100-foot tunnel over a period of nine months, cutting through solid concrete with rudimentary tools before finally making their escape. They even managed to leave a taunting note for their captors promising to shower them with bombs.

NOVA Season 28 episode 10, "Nazi Prison Escape," examines this daring escape, using archival footage and interviews with experts to bring the story to life. The show starts by exploring the conditions inside the prison and the brutal treatment of the inmates. It highlights how these circumstances led the prisoners to band together and plot their audacious getaway.

The episode then dives into the process of tunneling and the challenges the prisoners faced during their nine months of digging. The inmates used tools fashioned from scavenged materials such as spoons, broken glass, and stolen scraps of metal. They worked in shifts, with some digging while others stood watch, listening for guards or other dangers.

NOVA also explores the science behind tunneling, particularly the challenges of building a tunnel in unstable soil. The show reveals how the prisoners inserted wooden structures to reinforce the tunnel walls and prevent a collapse that could have doomed the entire operation.

Despite their hard work, the prisoners still had to contend with several setbacks. They discovered their tunnel was too short, forcing them to dig even deeper into the ground to reach an exit point. And when they finally emerged from the tunnel, they found themselves in a forest on the other side of the wall. They had to navigate through a heavily-forested area to make it to the train tracks that lay beyond.

NOVA also delves into the aftermath of the escape. While the prisoners managed to get away, their victory was short-lived. Almost all of them were recaptured by the Nazis, who tortured and executed them in retaliation. The show highlights the bravery and resolve of the prisoners, who were willing to risk their lives for freedom.

The episode concludes by examining the legacy of the great escape. While it ultimately failed, many experts argue that it played a role in hastening the end of the war. It was a reminder that even in impossible situations, hope and determination can lead to remarkable feats of ingenuity and bravery.

Overall, "Nazi Prison Escape" is a gripping and informative episode of NOVA that examines a little-known piece of history. The show's mix of archival footage, expert interviews, and dramatic re-enactments brings the story of the escape to life in vivid detail. For anyone interested in World War II history or prison breaks, this episode is a must-watch.