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Prisoners and Escape (Paperback)

Those Who Were There

Military > Prisoners of War WWI

By Rachel Bilton
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 176
Illustrations: 16
ISBN: 9781473867093
Published: 13th February 2017

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As featured by MailOnline - Fascinating photographs document soldiers' failed attempts to break out from German prisoner of war camps

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A wide range of personal experiences are covered in the eleven chapters of this book. Nearly all the stories are written by the participants who describe exactly what happened to them during the war. What makes them special is that they were written while the images were fresh in their minds. The experiences recorded are those of civilians and soldiers. Where possible information about these men has been provided to explain their life before and after the war. Also included are rarely seen images that augment the text.

The writers tell true stories of spying, escape from certain death, escape from captivity and working for the Germans to help the Allied war effort. Edwin Woodhall describes his work in counter-intelligence, spies, counter-spies and disguises, in the early days of the war. Harold Beaumont tells the dramatic story of his escape through Belgium where he was helped by Nurse Cavell. The hardships and difficulties an escaper faced are detailed by Walter Ellison, who failed to get away, while a successful escape is told by Duncan Grinnell-Milne who returned to flying over the Western Front and quickly found himself in no man’s land when his plane crashed. Captain Evans was eventually a successful escaper as was H.G. Durnford who managed to escape the first time. Marthe McKenna, one of the most famous spies in the war, tells of the time she was ordered to investigate and assist in a plot to assassinate the Kaiser. Esmee Sartorius tells of her escape to Holland at the start of the war, and the breath-taking thrills of two men disguised as German officers is told by Lieutenant Marchal. The final story describes how Trooper Potts escaped certain death while rescuing his friend on Burnt Hill in Gallipoli.

“Prisoners & Escape” not only has some hair-raising stories but also includes brief biographies of the writers of the first-hand reports and some amazing photographs... All in all, a fascinating read.

Lucy London War Poets

As featured in

Military Heritage, January 2018

As featured in

Stand To! Western Front Assc No.110

An amazing collection of personal stories and reminiscences by people who were actually imprisoned during the Great War.

Books Monthly, May 2017 - reviewed by Paul Norman

Literature on the Great War is of course vast around many different genres, key themes and focus.  Sometimes books come along which provide a different slant, or angle on this crucial period in our history. This book does just that. There are eleven captivating stories. This book is a record of the experiences of those during the war who did extraordinary things, sometimes overlooked. Very importantly, the stories were penned to paper during a period when these images were still clear in the mind of the authors or those involved. The text tells tales of escape from captivity, spying, working for the Germans to help the Allied war effort, and counter intelligence  It contains their words, and as such is a wonderful collection of primary material.

Jon Sandison, Freelance

As featured in.

The Daily Mail 24/2/17
 Rachel Bilton

About Rachel Bilton

Rachel Bilton is currently studying in France and intends to pursue a career in journalism and/or publishing when she graduates. This is her first book and it is part of a trilogy; she has also edited the third part. These two books will be followed by another on Great War escapes. Rachel has always been interested in history, particularly the more deadly parts. She is trying to find the answer to why so many men wanted to kill complete strangers for four years.

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