Ep 5. Great Escapes of WWII: The Great Escape

During World War II, thousands of Allied prisoners were held in German POW camps. In this episode of World War II, we delve into the story of one of the war's most infamous prison escapes: The Great Escape.

The episode begins by providing viewers with an overview of the conditions in German POW camps during the war. Despite the strict security measures, many Allied prisoners were determined to escape and make their way back to their home countries. This episode focuses on one of the most daring and ambitious attempts at escape: The Great Escape.

Viewers are introduced to a cast of characters involved in the planning and execution of the escape. These include Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, who oversaw the planning and was the mastermind behind the operation; Flight Lieutenant Robert Tunstall, who was responsible for making the maps used during the escape; and Flight Lieutenant Albert Hake, who played a crucial role in tunneling out of the camp.

As the prisoners worked to dig tunnels beneath the prison, measures were taken to conceal their activities from the German guards. This involved creating ventilation systems to prevent the tunnels from collapsing, as well as elaborate systems for disposing of dirt and debris. The episode features detailed descriptions of the engineering and construction work that went into creating the tunnels, providing viewers with a sense of the scale of the operation and the many challenges faced by the prisoners.

Viewers are also introduced to some of the key obstacles faced by the prisoners during the escape attempt. These included the need to forge documents and counterfeit passports in order to create false identities for the escapees, as well as the need to plan for travel, food, and shelter once they managed to get beyond the walls of the prison.

Despite the many obstacles, the prisoners were ultimately successful in carrying out the escape. More than 70 prisoners managed to flee the camp through the tunnels, and many made their way to freedom. However, the escape was not without its costs, as some of the prisoners were recaptured and executed.

Throughout the episode, archival footage and interviews with historians are used to provide context and historical perspective on the events of the escape. These interviews offer insights into the motivations and attitudes of the prisoners involved, as well as providing a broader understanding of the impact that this escape had on the war effort and on perceptions of the prisoners of war.

In sum, the Great Escape is a thrilling and captivating episode that provides viewers with a fascinating perspective on one of the most daring and ambitious prison escapes of World War II. With its detailed historical research, evocative footage and detailed insights into the motivations of the prisoners involved, this episode of World War II is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.