the “Great Escape” from Stalag History Timeline and Biographies

Formation of Stalag Luft III

Stalag Luft III was established in 1942 as a German POW camp for Allied airmen. It was located near Sagan, Poland, and became notorious for housing many prisoners who would later be involved in the "Great Escape" from Stalag.

Planning the Escape Begins

In late 1943, prisoners at Stalag Luft III began to devise escape plans. The idea was to dig tunnels to facilitate a mass breakout, which laid the groundwork for the "Great Escape" from Stalag.

Construction of Tunnels Commences

In early 1944, the prisoners started digging three tunnels, named Tom, Dick, and Harry, as part of their plan for the "Great Escape" from Stalag. The work was done covertly to avoid detection by the guards.

Final Preparations for the Escape

As the tunnels neared completion, the prisoners finalized their escape plans. They gathered clothing, forged documents, and other essentials for the "Great Escape" from Stalag, aiming for a mass exodus on the night of March 24-25, 1944.

The Great Escape Occurs

On the night of March 24-25, 1944, the "Great Escape" from Stalag took place. A total of 76 prisoners managed to escape through the tunnels, with many making their way toward freedom in various directions.

Discovery of the Escape

The next morning, German guards discovered the escape and launched a manhunt for the escaped prisoners. This led to an intense search and a crackdown on the remaining prisoners at Stalag.

Capture of Escapees Begins

Over the following weeks, many of the escapees from the "Great Escape" from Stalag were recaptured. The German authorities implemented severe penalties for those involved in the escape attempt.

Execution of Recaptured Prisoners

In April 1944, 50 of the recaptured prisoners from the "Great Escape" from Stalag were executed on orders from Adolf Hitler, who was furious about the escape plan and its implications.

End of World War II and Liberation of POWs

As World War II came to an end in 1945, Allied forces liberated Stalag Luft III and other POW camps, freeing the remaining prisoners, including those who had participated in the "Great Escape" from Stalag.

Release of "The Great Escape" Film

In 1963, the film "The Great Escape," starring Steve McQueen, was released, dramatizing the events of the escape from Stalag Luft III and popularizing the story for generations to come.

Commemoration of the Great Escape

In 2000, the 56th anniversary of the "Great Escape" from Stalag was commemorated with various events and memorials honoring the bravery of the escapees and their sacrifices.

Documentary on the Great Escape Released

A documentary detailing the events of the "Great Escape" from Stalag was released, featuring interviews with historians and relatives of the escapees, further preserving the legacy of this remarkable event.

Ongoing Interest in the Great Escape

As of 2024, the "Great Escape" from Stalag continues to be a subject of interest, with books, films, and academic studies exploring its historical significance and the lives of those involved in the daring escape.