Escape from Germany A History of R.A.F. Escape During the War

Author: Aidan Crawley
Publisher: Simon & Schuster NY
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
Published: 1956
History

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Synopsis: Aidan Crawley presents a comprehensive account of Royal Air Force escape and evasion operations during World War II, chronicling the courage and ingenuity of aircrew who found themselves shot down over Nazi-occupied Europe. This authoritative work documents the development of escape networks, the training provided to aircrew, and the individual stories of those who successfully evaded capture or escaped from prisoner-of-war camps. Crawley examines the evolution of escape training programs, showing how the RAF developed increasingly sophisticated preparation for aircrew facing the possibility of being shot down over enemy territory. The book chronicles the establishment of MI9, the British intelligence organization responsible for escape and evasion operations, and its coordination with resistance movements throughout occupied Europe. The author documents the development of escape equipment, from hidden compasses and maps to specialized survival gear designed to help downed aircrew reach friendly territory. The work explores the psychology of escape and evasion, analyzing the mental and physical qualities that enabled some aircrew to successfully avoid capture while others were quickly apprehended. Crawley chronicles specific escape routes and networks, showing how French, Belgian, Dutch, and other resistance organizations risked their lives to help Allied aircrew return to England. The book examines life in German prisoner-of-war camps, documenting the conditions faced by captured aircrew and the elaborate escape plans developed within the camps. The author analyzes famous escape attempts, including the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III, examining both successful operations and those that ended in recapture or death. The work explores the intelligence value of escape operations, showing how returning aircrew provided valuable information about German defenses, industrial targets, and military capabilities. Crawley documents the risks faced by civilian populations who assisted escape operations, showing how German reprisals created moral dilemmas for both aircrew and their helpers. The book examines the effectiveness of different escape routes and methods, analyzing factors that contributed to success or failure in evading capture. The author chronicles the role of neutral countries, particularly Spain and Switzerland, in providing sanctuary for escaped aircrew attempting to return to Allied territory. The work explores the impact of escape operations on German security resources, showing how the threat of escape forced the diversion of personnel and materials from other military purposes. Crawley analyzes the psychological impact of successful escapes on both Allied and German morale, examining how these operations affected the broader war effort. Through extensive research and compelling narrative, the author honors the courage of aircrew who refused to accept captivity and the civilians who risked everything to help them return to freedom, preserving their legacy as an inspiration for future generations.

Escape from Germany A History of R.A.F. Escape During the War, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.