The Latter Days At Colditz

by P.R. Reid

In THE COLDITZ STORY, Pat Reid told the story of the escape academy that sprang up inside the most impregnable German POW camp of the Second World War, ending appropriately with his own incredible escape from Colditz. But Reid's own break-out was by no means the last. In this enthralling sequel, he follows the fortunes of the escape academy right up until the arrival of the allied forces in April 1945. Here are the tales of fantastic bravery and stunning ingenuity every bit as mesmerising as the original.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, War, Military Fiction, Historical

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

Major Patrick Robert "Pat" Reid, MBE, MC was a British Army officer and author of non-fiction largely based upon his firsthand experiences during World War II.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Reid

Reviews

[Richard Easter · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to be interested in the Second World War for this to land as a fascinating read. So, here's the deal; Colditz Castle in Germany was supposed to be the escape-proof fortress where allied officers were placed. The only criteria for ending up in Colditz was that you'd tried to escape from another POW camp elsewhere. So what we have are a bunch of hardened escapers, a castle full of guards (one for every prisoner) and no way out. Well, yeah, that was the plan. Over the course of the book, however, P.R Reid (himself the first person to break out and get home to England) reveals the quite staggering ingenuity that the prisoners used to gain their freedom. Lead from roofs and pipes was melted down to create German buttons, medals and insignia to create fake uniforms. Tunnels were dug in the most extraordinary places (one from the top of a clock tower!) lifelike dummies are built, identity cards forged, a man-powered generator is built and they built a glider. I'll say that again. THEY BUILT A FULL SIZED GLIDER TO FLY OUT. I'll let P.R Reid tell you the fascinating details and the whole story but if you want a true story about how extreme situations create extreme answers, then this is for you. Recommended.

[Joshua Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the escapes from Colditz is fascinating, but this book falls a bit short in my opinion. It's not as good as The Colditz Story, also by P. R. Reid. This one is about escapes that took place after Reid had escaped from the camp. It seemed like he worked a bit too hard to make the narrative dramatic. There is a lot of detailed dialog that I can't believe wasn't a bit embellished. But still an page turning read.

[Davidg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pat Reid continues the story of Colditz in this Boys Own sequel to his first book. That first volume ends with his own successful escape. This second volume is therefore made up of stories that he was told later in or after the war. It lacks the same first hand vision. It also means that when he details conversations that he clearly didn’t hear, the reader is aware that there is quite a lot of artistic licence here.

This is another reread from my teenage years. I have read it in conjunction with the new book by Ben MacIntyre. Like the first volume, it is interesting to read what Reid misses out, or was unaware of. Reid does not mention the spying that was going on or the encrypted letters being sent back. But then Reid worked for MI6, so he couldn’t mention such things.

To Reid this whole episode is a continuation of Public School life and something of a joke. MacIntyre gives the darker reality.

3.5 stars

[Genevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

While others have mentioned that P.R. Reid’s first instalment is much better, I did not have the notion of reading it since my keen interest is in the war’s final years in the European theatre. Since Reid himself had already escaped Coditz, what we’re likely reading is an embellished account when Reid might have only had an outline of a particular escape attempt or notable event within its walls. I think that the average reader would have to bring a reasonable level of passion for WWII history to the table, otherwise this book would likely fall a little flat and maybe even wordy. I have a lot of respect for the author and his colleagues for enduring their plight at Colditz and admire their resilience and ingenuity. It’s just not as powerful as a first hand account would have been.

[Millstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A workmanlike follow up to the first volume, again mostly told from the perspective of the 'escape officer' - the internal liaison officer who approves and coordinates individual ideas for officers intending to leave prison. There are not so many successes despite the higher levels of creativity and daring. There are several moments of extreme sadness along the way to the eventual conclusion of the war. The reconstructed dialogue is a bit wooden and much is left unsaid, but the story and the first hand perspective make light work of that. It is an amazing account and all the more amazing for being true.

[David Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tale of the officers in Colditz from late 1942 to April 1945. The non-commissioned orderlies and batmen also held do not get a mention - this book written by an officer reflecting the heirarchy of the times. A good account of prison life and escape attempts.

[John Peel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reid follows on to his own escape story from Colditz with further attempts (successful and not) after he had gotten out. Some of the tales are tragic, some comic and others quite thrilling. All true stories, including the attempt to escape by building a full-sized working glider in the attic.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this many years ago. Read it again now in preparation for my visit to Colditz. Still love it.

[Ed Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read for anyone with an interest in WW2.
Good insight into prison life.
Astonishing achievements.

[ben c]

I you want to know all about that camp, read the Pat Reid and the Eggers story.
Plus the C4 documentary which feature the glider.. https://youtu.be/yBjTmqbNSC0

[Davina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as his first volume, but still a lot of fun. There is a huge POW literature, particularly from the British, which is all quite good. An interesting look in to the heads of very interesting young men.

[Babete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Á semelhança da série que deu na TV há alguns anos, o livro baseado em factos reais é emocionante! ( Colditz - Os ùltimos Dias )

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

World War II escape literature.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book, great conclusion to an amazing true story started in "The Colditz Story."

[bluetyson]

isbn,original