The True Story of the Wooden Horse

by Robert J. Laplander

Overview

Whilst there have been many accounts from specific escapees who took part in the famed Wooden Horse escape from Stalag Luft III, there have been few objective historical studies of the camp as a whole. Many attempts at escape characterised its history, and the story of its establishment is a fascinating one. Now, historian Robert Laplander attempts to provide a comprehensive history of the camp and compound, framed around the ingenious Wooden Horse escape.

The author describes Eric Williams' classic book The Wooden Horse as merely an introduction to the escape, arguing that its creation was impeded by both a lack of necessary historical scope and regulations of the Crown. Today, however, there is much more material to take advantage of, including official documents that have been released and eye-witnesses that have spoken out – enough to justify this re-appraisal of the events at Stalag Luft III. The author's rigourous approach to the subject matter is evident from the outset. Supplemented throughout by a range of fascinating illustrations, including shots of a full scale replica of the vaulting horse used which the author constructed specifically for the purposes of understanding the logistics of the escape yet further, the book represents a competent and exhaustive account of the escape in its entirety, set solidly in context in order to provide an overview of the camps history from establishment to demise.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781473835146
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	01/31/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
File size:	24 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Author's Notes and Acknowledgements ix

Prologue: Confessions of a latent escaper xiii

Part I Capture 1

Chapter 1 The Demise of O for 'Orange' 2

Chapter 2 Sagan 15

Chapter 3 'One of Our Aircraft Failed to Return …' 32

Chapter 4 Under the North African Stars 43

Chapter 5 'A Rum Sort of Place…' 52

Part II Captivity 61

Chapter 6 Back in the Sandpit 62

Chapter 7 Inspiration 74

Chapter 8 First Steps 88

Chapter 9 'It Cannot Last, Old Boy …' 100

Chapter 10 Exhaustion and Ingenuity 116

Chapter 11 From Here to There 126

Chapter 12 'You're not thinking of leaving its, by any chance, are you?' 138

Part III Escape 155

Chapter 13 Through the Looking Glass 156

Chapter 14 Exhilaration 167

Chapter 15 Meanwhile, back at Sagan … 176

Chapter 16 'Jon Jorgenson' Takes a Trip 188

Chapter 17 The Varied Adventures of Marcel Lavasucr and Michel Conde 210

Chapter 18 Complete and Free 228

Postscript: 'Margaret' 244

Notes 252

Glossary 262

Index 269

Editorial Reviews

"illustrated by a number of fascinating photos...an in depth account of the Wooden Horse escape authoritatively set within the context of Stalag Luft III's brief history from March 1942 to January 1945"

Toy Solder & Model Figure

Laplander, a military historian, documents the Wooden Horse escape from Stalag Luft III, when 76 Royal Air Force officers attempted to escape the German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. Three were successful in escaping through a tunnel, and the others were recaptured, some murdered by the Nazis. He describes the initial capture of the British soldiers, their captivity, and the escape and aftermath.

Protoview

"Laplander, a military historian, documents the Wooden Horse escape from Stalag Luft III, when 76 Royal Air Force officers attempted to escape the German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. Three were successful in escaping through a tunnel, and the others were recaptured, some murdered by the Nazis. He describes the initial capture of the British soldiers, their captivity, and the escape and aftermath."

ProtoView

"illustrated by a number of fascinating photos...an in depth account of the Wooden Horse escape authoritatively set within the context of Stalag Luft III's brief history from March 1942 to January 1945"

Toy Soldier and Model Figure Magazine