The Kaiser's Escapees (Hardback)
Allied POW escape attempts during the First World War
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 154
Illustrations: 50
ISBN: 9781526701435
Published: 16th May 2018
(click here for international delivery rates)
Order within the next 6 hours, 43 minutes to get your order processed the next working day!
Need a currency converter? Check XE.com for live rates
Other formats available - Buy the Hardback and get the eBook for free! | Price |
---|---|
The Kaiser's Escapees ePub (14.7 MB) Add to Basket | £6.99 |
Following on from his first well-received book 'The Kaisers First POWs' Philip Chinnery now turns his attention to the attempts by allied prisoners of war to escape the Kaiser's clutches and return to their homeland. As the war progressed, the treatment of allied prisoners worsened as the blockade of Germany reduced the amount of food and material coming into the country. The majority of the prisoners were too weak or ill-equipped to attempt to escape, but there were others who were determined to pit their wits against their jailers. These included the officers at Holzminden prison, who dug a tunnel allowing twenty-eight of their number to escape; men like Canadian Private Simmons, who escaped and was recaptured twice before his third attempt saw him gain his freedom; men who jumped from moving trains or marched brazenly out of the camp gates disguised as German officers.
Although Holland and Switzerland were neutral countries during the First World War, escaping from their camps, crossing miles of enemy territory and outwitting the sentries guarding the frontiers taxed even the strongest individuals. But many men did make the attempt and more than a few of them were successful. This is their story.
Very fine work. 10/10
The Great War magazine, September 2018 – reviewed by Mark Marsay