Hawthorne, Peter: Colditz

This book provides the first comprehensive account of all the daring escape attempts from Oflag IV-C, Colditz Castle. Following the German *Blitzkrieg* offensive of 1939, large numbers of prisoners of war had been interned in fortresses and specially constructed camps. For determined escape artists, this presented an initial challenge; while many officers found it relatively easy to regain their freedom, the journey to safety was arduous, and attempts often ended in recapture. Over time, the Allied officers became such persistent escape planners that the German High Command required an escape-proof prison deep within eastern Germany. With its eventful history and imposing walls, Colditz Castle offered the ideal location. The first prisoners at Colditz included Poles. On November 7, 1940, the first British contingent arrived, joining the men already stationed at Oflag IV-Camong them the "Laufen Six," led by Major Pat Reid. Gradually, other Allied officers joined themBelgians, French, and Dutchall of whom were classified as "troublesome or persistent escapees." They formed a community of determined officers bent on escape, possessing a wide range of skills that they shared and refined among themselves; Dr. Biren Mazumdar, an Indian national, also succeeded in escaping. The inmates also included so-called "Prominente" (prominent figures)political prisoners such as Giles Romilly, a nephew of Winston Churchill. These men were among the bravest soldiers of the Second World War, risking everything to disrupt the German war machine as much as possible. Over the next four years, 183 escape attempts were recorded. Reinhold Eggers, the security officer at Colditz, established a museum within the castle featuring exhibits, disguises, and forged identity papers in order to train his guards and prevent further escapes. Guarding these men tied up significant resources; moreover, the time, expense, and effort involved in searching for escapees hampered Germany's war effort.