The Band of Daredevil Pilots and the Greatest Prison Break of the Great War

A True Story of Courage, Ingenuity, and Unwavering Determination

The Escape Artists: A Band of Daredevil Pilots and the Greatest Prison Break of the Great War

by Neal Bascomb

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24719 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In the annals of military history, few stories are as daring and inspiring as the Great Escape from Linnich. From July 1916 to November 1918, German prison camp Linnich held 1,500 Allied airmen, guarded by 3,000 German soldiers. The prisoners were subjected to harsh conditions, poor food, and brutal treatment. But despite the odds, they planned and executed a daring escape that stunned the world.

The mastermind behind the escape was Captain Norman Macmillan, a Canadian pilot who had been shot down and captured in 1916. Macmillan was a brilliant strategist and a natural leader. He quickly rallied a group of like-minded prisoners, including British pilots Arthur Gould Lee and Roderick Dallas. Together, they formed a secret organization known as the "Band of Daredevil Pilots."

The Band of Daredevil Pilots spent months planning their escape. They studied the camp's layout, the guards' routines, and the surrounding terrain. They also gathered materials and equipment that they would need for their escape, including maps, compasses, and disguises.

On the night of November 23, 1918, the Band of Daredevil Pilots made their move. They slipped out of their barracks and gathered at a prearranged rendezvous point. From there, they made their way to the camp's perimeter fence. Using wire cutters, they cut a hole in the fence and crawled through.

Once outside the camp, the prisoners split into small groups and headed for different destinations. Some of them made it back to Allied lines, while others were recaptured by the Germans. But in total, 101 prisoners escaped from Linnich, making it one of the most successful prison breaks in history.

The Great Escape from Linnich is a story of courage, ingenuity, and unwavering determination. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and achieve the impossible.

Profiles of the Band of Daredevil Pilots

• Captain Norman Macmillan (1884-1919) was a Canadian pilot who masterminded the Great Escape from Linnich. He was shot down and captured in 1916 and was held at Linnich for over two years. After the war, he returned to Canada and became a successful businessman. He died in a plane crash in 1919.
• Captain Arthur Gould Lee (1891-1941) was a British pilot who served in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. He was shot down and captured in 1917 and was held at Linnich for over a year. After the war, he returned to England and became a successful businessman. He died in 1941.
• Lieutenant Roderick Dallas (1894-1918) was a British pilot who served in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. He was shot down and captured in 1918 and was held at Linnich for several months. He was one of the prisoners who escaped during the Great Escape. However, he was recaptured by the Germans and was executed.

Legacy of the Band of Daredevil Pilots

The Great Escape from Linnich is still remembered as one of the most daring and successful prison breaks in history. It is a story that has been told and retold for generations. The Band of Daredevil Pilots are considered heroes by many, and their legacy continues to inspire people today.

In 1950, the story of the Great Escape was made into a Hollywood movie starring Steve McQueen. The movie was a critical and commercial success and helped to introduce the Band of Daredevil Pilots to a new generation of fans.

Today, the Band of Daredevil Pilots are remembered as symbols of courage, ingenuity, and determination. Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.

The Escape Artists: A Band of Daredevil Pilots and the Greatest Prison Break of the Great War

by Neal Bascomb

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24719 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE