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| Europe |
| Great Escape Camp Heroes Return |
| 2009-03-26 |
| For 46 years their exploits and daring have been immortalised by Hollywood in the film the Great Escape but for seven Ex RAF prisoners of war it was a poignant return to Stalag Luft III in Zagan, Poland to pay homage to the 50 allied airmen executed by the Gestapo following the 1944 breakout. For some, like former Blenheim observer Alfie Fripp, it was the first return to the camp in over 60 years. Accompanied by his grandson, the spritely 94-year old travelled from his home in Bournemouth to pay tribute to the fallen and in particular, Flight Lieutenant Mike Casey the 21 year old pilot of his aircraft who was executed by the Gestapo following his escape from the camp; “I’m glad I came to remember Mike – you reflect back on all the memories and the people you knew. As for the Germans, I’ve forgiven them but not forgotten.” Casting his mind back to the fateful day in 1939 when they were shot down he added; “We were forced to hedge hop at six feet to avoid being attacked again by a Meschersmitt in a cloudless sky. We crash landed after colliding with the treetops. Standing on the site of his bunk bed in the remains of Hut 104 where Tunnel Harry was dug from, another veteran, 86 year old Frank Stone a lower rear gunner on Hampdens said; “I never thought I would be back here after all these years - we had to change places with the lucky 200 who had drawn the first lot to escape and we had to occupy their beds. We did it in dribs and drabs to avoid raising suspicions then we just waited for it to happen. A few of us had a full nights rest until the shot at about five o’clock in the morning. All the guards rushed in and did a complete search of all the blocks and all of us in the wrong block were paraded outside 104.” Throughout their visit, the ageing airmen were accompanied by a 35 strong team of serving military personnel mainly from RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire who had come to learn more about the human sacrifice made during World War Two, undertake renovation work on the stone memorial to the fallen 50 and spruce up the memorial garden. “What we are trying to do is provide a lasting memorial to the ultimate sacrifice made by the escapers said RAF Project Officer Sgt Neil Galloway from RAF Leeming, “For the boys and girls here, they are in the company of the men who originally built it and who lived in the campsites. They have put blood sweat and tears into something which will be here for years to come and is something they will never forget in their lifetimes. Visiting Poland for the first time was SAC Samantha Meer, an Aerial Erector with 90 Signals Unit who summed up the thoughts of those taking part; “I hope the veterans like what we do” she said; “ I hope it lives up to their expectations and they will enjoy seeing what we have achieved. “ The visit by the veterans and serving members will culminate in a formal ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Zagan this Saturday 28th March when the Central Band of the RAF will join civic dignitaries and townsfolk to honour all those interned in the camp and conduct a re-dedication ceremony for the memorial. |
| Posted by:tu3031 |