In 2024 we mark the 80th anniversary of the most infamous prisoner breakout from Nazi Germany. The Great Escape from Stalag Luft III was immortalised by the 1963 Hollywood blockbuster; but what really happened?

Our speaker is Joanna Bristow-Watkins, whose father, Squadron Leader Alec Bristow, was a Mosquito pilot who was shot down and incarcerated in the notorious Stalag. He kept a diary as a POW, from which Joanna has drawn her fascinating talk.

What was it really like for an RAF Officer in the camp? How challenging was the planning and construction of the famous Tom, Dick and Harry tunnels? What actually took place on the night of 24th March 1944? And what were the after-effects of this bold affront to the Nazi Regime?