The Wooden Horse
The Wooden Horse by Eric Williams, published by Bbc Pubns in 1995, presents a riveting account based on true events during World War II. This revised edition, comprising 272 pages, recounts the story of British prisoners of war who orchestrated a daring escape from Stalag Luft III in German-occupied Poland. The narrative centers on the ingenious use of a wooden vaulting horse, which served as a cover for the escapees as they tunneled their way to freedom, all while evading the watchful eyes of their captors.
Readers will find a detailed exploration of the escape plan, highlighting the clever tactics employed by the prisoners. The book delves into the challenges faced by the men as they worked covertly to dig a tunnel over 120 feet long, concealed beneath the vaulting horse. With themes of resilience and ingenuity, this personal narrative sheds light on the experiences of British prisoners during the war, offering insights into their struggles and determination for freedom.
Official synopsis Publisher
Based on true events in which the author, calling himself Peter, was involved, this is the story of a successful escape from Stalag Luft III in German-occupied Poland, by British prisoners of war, during WWII.
The title is well chose, for it was by means of a wooden vaulting-horse that Eric Williams and his two companions made their way out of the captivity of a German prison camp, into freedom.
This vaulting-horse was four feet six inches high and its base covered an area of five feet by three feet. When it was carried into the courtyard the German guards thought it was simply a vaulting-horse, similar to that used in any gymnasium.
It is true that the prisoners vaulted over it. But unknown to the German guards, two men were always concealed within the horse and while the prisoners vaulted, these two men were busy underground burrowing a tunnel.
When’s the day’s work was over the hole was boarded up, earth placed over the boards, and the horse with the two men inside taken back into the camp. This work of tunnelling went on for several months, until the tunnel was over 120 feet long and extended beyond the barbed wire which bounded the camp.
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