Great escaper

The events surrounding the mass escape by POWs from Stalag Luft III, Sagan Camp in Poland in 1944 are well-known, as is the aftermath. It is a story that continues to fascinate and amaze historians and general readers alike. The escape was masterfully planned and took the Germans by surprise with the scale and sheer audacity. Fifty prisoners were summarily executed on being recaptured, including Poles, a Belgian and a young Flight Lieutenant John ‘Willy’ Williams. This is his story, pieced together in meticulous detail by his niece. It is a family story, but due to the notoriety behind the reprisals taken against the escapers, it is one we can all identify with. From enlistment, through training, to life in the camp, Williams’ story unfolds. No one can know for certain what happened to Williams in the last hours of his life, but we know he was extremely brave. This is a worthy telling of one family’s tragedy in war.