Книга: Tunnelling to Freedom: The Story of the World's Most Persistent Escaper

John Fancy was the most prolific escaper of World War II. Nicknamed 'the Mole,' he dug eight tunnels at the various POW camps in which he was held in East Prussia, Poland, and Germany?some 40 feet below the surface and only two feet square. He escaped three times, only to be recaptured. While imprisoned at Stalag Luft III in 1942 in Poland, he helped to plot the breakout of 76 men?an event that later became known as the Great Escape, and inspired the Hollywood film. After the war he wrote a book about his adventures. First published in 1957, Tunnelling to Freedom became an instant bestseller. His gripping and dryly humorous account reveals the fascinating details of life in the prison camps and the determination, heroism, and madness of the escapers. The incredible ingenuity and patience which John brought to bear on his escape attempts, often digging his tunnels with no more than a 10-inch butter knife can also be seen. In addition to his tunneling he also recounts his attempts to abscond from outside working parties, cutting through the camp's perimeter wire and jumping from moving trains. This is essential reading for the World War II historian and anyone who enjoys a good adventure story.