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The Great Escaper: The Life and Death of Roger Bushell - Love, Betrayal, Big X and The Great Escape
SUNDAY TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLER 'This gripping biography... Pearson has done uncommonly well to unearth so much.' (Max Hastings, Sunday Times ) Roger Bushell was 'Big X', mastermind of the mass breakout from Stalag Luft III in March 1944, immortalised in the Hollywood film The Great Escape. Very little was known about Bushell until 2011, when his family donated his private papers - a treasure trove of letters, photographs and diaries - to the Imperial War Museum. Through exclusive access to this material - as well as fascinating new research from other sources - Simon Pearson, Chief Night Editor of The Times, has now written the first biography of this iconic figure. Born in South Africa in 1910, Roger Bushell was the son of a British mining engineer. By the age of 29, this charismatic character who spoke nine languages had become a London barrister with a reputation for successfully defending those much less fortunate than him. He was also renowned as an international ski champion and fighter pilot with a string of glamorous girlfriends. On 23 May, 1940, his Spitfire was shot down during a dogfight over Boulogne after destroying two German fighters. From then on his life was governed by an unquenchable desire to escape from Occupied Europe. Over the next four years he made three escapes, coming within 100 yards of the Swiss border during his first attempt. His second escape took him to Prague where he was sheltered by the Czech resistance for eight months before he was captured. The three months of savage interrogation in Berlin by the Gestapo that followed made him even more determined. Prisoner or not, he would do his utmost to fight the Nazis. His third (and last escape) destabilised the Nazi leadership and captured the imagination of the world. He died on 29 March 1944, murdered on the explicit instructions of Adolf Hitler. Simon Pearson's revealing biography is a vivid account of war and love, triumph and tragedy - one man's attempt to challenge remorseless tyranny in the face of impossible odds.
448 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
12 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Simon Pearson
17 books7 followersSimon Pearson has worked on The Times since 1986. His interest in military history was stimulated by his father who served with the RAF in World War Two. He is the author of the bestselling The Great Escaper, published in 2013 and described by the Sunday Times as ‘enthralling, an astounding story of honour and resilience’.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 25, 2023
A SUNDAY TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLER !! A Powerful Story.
'This gripping biography... Pearson has done uncommonly well to unearth so much Information , such a well researched book
Roger Bushell was 'Big X', mastermind of the mass breakout from Stalag Luft III in March 1944, immortalised in the Hollywood film The Great Escape.(known as Roger Bartlett in the film and played so well by Lord, Sir Richard Attenbourough)
Very little was known about Bushell until 2011, when his family donated his private papers - a treasure trove of letters, photographs and diaries - to the Imperial War Museum. Through exclusive access to this material - as well as fascinating new research from other sources - Simon Pearson, Chief Night Editor of The Times, has now written the first biography of this iconic figure, with permission and recommendation of the family.
Born in South Africa in 1910, Roger Bushell was the son of a British mining engineer. By the age of 29, this charismatic character who spoke nine languages had become a London barrister with a reputation for successfully defending those much less fortunate than him. He was also renowned as an international ski champion and fighter pilot with a string of glamorous girlfriends.
On 23 May, 1940, his Spitfire was shot down during a dogfight over Boulogne after destroying two German fighters. From then on his life was governed by an unquenchable desire to escape from Occupied Europe.
Over the next four years he made three escapes, coming within 100 yards of the Swiss border during his first attempt. His second escape took him to Prague where he was sheltered by the Czech resistance for eight months before he was captured. The three months of savage interrogation in Berlin by the Gestapo that followed made him even more determined. Prisoner or not, he would do his utmost to fight the Nazis. His third (and last escape) destabilised the Nazi leadership and captured the imagination of the world.
He died on 29 March 1944, murdered on the explicit instructions of Adolf Hitler.
Simon Pearson's revealing biography is a vivid account of war and love, triumph and tragedy - one man's attempt to challenge remorseless tyranny in the face of impossible odds.
The only thing you can say, is the history of this escape will be forever remembered due to the massive success of the film, which was not quite so accurate as this book explains. Of course they had to make the film a worldwide market with casting international stars, and of course the fifty were not all shot together, but often separately in two, three and fours.
This book brings an incredible detailed reference to the names, heroes, unsung soldiers who were all part of the escape committee all involved, and the fifty that will always be remembered.
One of my favourite films.
'This gripping biography... Pearson has done uncommonly well to unearth so much Information , such a well researched book
Roger Bushell was 'Big X', mastermind of the mass breakout from Stalag Luft III in March 1944, immortalised in the Hollywood film The Great Escape.(known as Roger Bartlett in the film and played so well by Lord, Sir Richard Attenbourough)
Very little was known about Bushell until 2011, when his family donated his private papers - a treasure trove of letters, photographs and diaries - to the Imperial War Museum. Through exclusive access to this material - as well as fascinating new research from other sources - Simon Pearson, Chief Night Editor of The Times, has now written the first biography of this iconic figure, with permission and recommendation of the family.
Born in South Africa in 1910, Roger Bushell was the son of a British mining engineer. By the age of 29, this charismatic character who spoke nine languages had become a London barrister with a reputation for successfully defending those much less fortunate than him. He was also renowned as an international ski champion and fighter pilot with a string of glamorous girlfriends.
On 23 May, 1940, his Spitfire was shot down during a dogfight over Boulogne after destroying two German fighters. From then on his life was governed by an unquenchable desire to escape from Occupied Europe.
Over the next four years he made three escapes, coming within 100 yards of the Swiss border during his first attempt. His second escape took him to Prague where he was sheltered by the Czech resistance for eight months before he was captured. The three months of savage interrogation in Berlin by the Gestapo that followed made him even more determined. Prisoner or not, he would do his utmost to fight the Nazis. His third (and last escape) destabilised the Nazi leadership and captured the imagination of the world.
He died on 29 March 1944, murdered on the explicit instructions of Adolf Hitler.
Simon Pearson's revealing biography is a vivid account of war and love, triumph and tragedy - one man's attempt to challenge remorseless tyranny in the face of impossible odds.
The only thing you can say, is the history of this escape will be forever remembered due to the massive success of the film, which was not quite so accurate as this book explains. Of course they had to make the film a worldwide market with casting international stars, and of course the fifty were not all shot together, but often separately in two, three and fours.
This book brings an incredible detailed reference to the names, heroes, unsung soldiers who were all part of the escape committee all involved, and the fifty that will always be remembered.
One of my favourite films.
November 11, 2021
I have heard it said on the BBC that the real story of the Great Escape was more impressive than the movie. This book confirms that assessment.
May 23, 2015
ROGER BUSHELL: A GREAT INTELLIGENCE ASSET. LET’S HOPE THE GOVERNMENT WILL ONE DAY EXPLAIN WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AND THE ESCAPE’S IMPACT ON THE WAR
An appreciation by Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers
Most people are familiar with the story of ‘The Great Escape’ from the book written by Paul Brickhill which was permitted to be published in 1950, and the later blockbuster film produced in 1963- ‘a good film’ said Sydney Dowse, but a film nonetheless.
What most people do not realise are the surprising efforts made by the government initially to prevent publication of the story, and the continued secrecy surrounding what went on after the escape in March 1944 as D Day and the end of the war approached. Anthony Eden made a statement in the Commons committing the British government to find and punish the murderers of the fifty airmen, including Bushell, involved in the escape.
“The Great Escaper” is the first full biography of Bushell. It’s an uplifting statement of what can be achieved against the greatest odds, and with such sad turns of event thrown in along the way, all of which are unfortunately true. Simon Pearson’s work will remain the definitive account for many years to come until the remaining official papers are eventually released in the middle of this century possibly, if at all, if the public are going to be allowed to see them.
Pearson has produced an excellent, well researched and documented account of a most remarkable man taken from the papers in the IWM Bushell archive now available, and substantial interviews.
What we have with the biography is a much more rounded picture of Roger as a man: a most useful portrait as so few people remain alive who knew him, and after the various smatterings of the story appeared in other books.
Brickhill had much trouble publishing his book at the end of the war. The nobbled, probably fake, dispatches originating from Sweden, printed in “The Daily Telegraph” using most ridiculous aliases like ‘Wing Commander Smith’, have unfortunately assisted the build-up of some silly myths about “Operation 200” or The “Great Escape” as it is now known.
The question really is what the security services still have to protect (or hide) as only two escapers are actually alive as we write this review in May 2015 and disclosure would be historically fascinating to read.
M19 will, we hope, one day open up all the files, especially on the early part of Roger’s imprisonment in Germany as the public should know more about this man and the exceptional people involved, some of whom we have met. The other uncomfortable issue which remains is the lack of a proper award for Bushell and Pearson covers this sensitively.
It is evident to many that Bushell deserved a DSO for the brilliance of this operation (with only the occasional moaner mentioned in the book) but he didn’t get it or any proper recognition for the achievement of “Operation 200”: 3 airmen got home.
What Bushell did for us, now partly explained over 100 years since his birth and 70 years on from the breakout is worth much more than any medal. Unfortunately there are still so many things missing in this story, especially covering its important intelligence aspects, including Bushell’s time in Prague of which there has been some discovery of further information but much more still hidden.
One thing is for sure, the story of “The Great Escape” will not go away. To meet the people involved, and go to the places where these events took place opens up this valiant story to the very hearts of courage and inspiration displayed by the participants and given to many readers in new generations interested in military history… and rightly so.
Like visiting the Moon in 1969, it’s scarcely possible for some to comprehend how “Operation 200” was conceived and conducted unless you have been there: but it was and there’s a museum at Zagan. We will get some fascinating answers one day to complete the generous picture painted by Pearson of this most remarkable and likeable barrister from Lincoln’s Inn.
Thank you… this story is to be continued (one day) if MI9 permit!
An appreciation by Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers
Most people are familiar with the story of ‘The Great Escape’ from the book written by Paul Brickhill which was permitted to be published in 1950, and the later blockbuster film produced in 1963- ‘a good film’ said Sydney Dowse, but a film nonetheless.
What most people do not realise are the surprising efforts made by the government initially to prevent publication of the story, and the continued secrecy surrounding what went on after the escape in March 1944 as D Day and the end of the war approached. Anthony Eden made a statement in the Commons committing the British government to find and punish the murderers of the fifty airmen, including Bushell, involved in the escape.
“The Great Escaper” is the first full biography of Bushell. It’s an uplifting statement of what can be achieved against the greatest odds, and with such sad turns of event thrown in along the way, all of which are unfortunately true. Simon Pearson’s work will remain the definitive account for many years to come until the remaining official papers are eventually released in the middle of this century possibly, if at all, if the public are going to be allowed to see them.
Pearson has produced an excellent, well researched and documented account of a most remarkable man taken from the papers in the IWM Bushell archive now available, and substantial interviews.
What we have with the biography is a much more rounded picture of Roger as a man: a most useful portrait as so few people remain alive who knew him, and after the various smatterings of the story appeared in other books.
Brickhill had much trouble publishing his book at the end of the war. The nobbled, probably fake, dispatches originating from Sweden, printed in “The Daily Telegraph” using most ridiculous aliases like ‘Wing Commander Smith’, have unfortunately assisted the build-up of some silly myths about “Operation 200” or The “Great Escape” as it is now known.
The question really is what the security services still have to protect (or hide) as only two escapers are actually alive as we write this review in May 2015 and disclosure would be historically fascinating to read.
M19 will, we hope, one day open up all the files, especially on the early part of Roger’s imprisonment in Germany as the public should know more about this man and the exceptional people involved, some of whom we have met. The other uncomfortable issue which remains is the lack of a proper award for Bushell and Pearson covers this sensitively.
It is evident to many that Bushell deserved a DSO for the brilliance of this operation (with only the occasional moaner mentioned in the book) but he didn’t get it or any proper recognition for the achievement of “Operation 200”: 3 airmen got home.
What Bushell did for us, now partly explained over 100 years since his birth and 70 years on from the breakout is worth much more than any medal. Unfortunately there are still so many things missing in this story, especially covering its important intelligence aspects, including Bushell’s time in Prague of which there has been some discovery of further information but much more still hidden.
One thing is for sure, the story of “The Great Escape” will not go away. To meet the people involved, and go to the places where these events took place opens up this valiant story to the very hearts of courage and inspiration displayed by the participants and given to many readers in new generations interested in military history… and rightly so.
Like visiting the Moon in 1969, it’s scarcely possible for some to comprehend how “Operation 200” was conceived and conducted unless you have been there: but it was and there’s a museum at Zagan. We will get some fascinating answers one day to complete the generous picture painted by Pearson of this most remarkable and likeable barrister from Lincoln’s Inn.
Thank you… this story is to be continued (one day) if MI9 permit!
October 5, 2014
I've been waiting for someone to write this book for forty-plus years, and Pearson's book does not disappoint.
Inevitably it covers much of the same ground as the three books that - to my mind - introduced Roger Bushell to my/Pearson's generation. Pearson openly acknowledges his debt to those books - The Great Escape (Paul Brickhill), 'Wings' Day (Sidney Smith) and Escape From Germany (Aidan Crawley). But in these books - great as they are - Bushell appears in his final form, a lion already caged, with little information of what formed this great, but arguably flawed leader of men.
Pearson's great achievement is that he shows the making of the man, through the words of those who knew him. Pearson admits that luck played a part - doors opened for him to meet a few survivors of the Great Escape, and at a time when the family was making Bushell's papers available.
It is a scholarly work, with 15-20% devoted to a thorough bibliography and cross-reference to his sources. At the same time, it is a thoroughly readable story, too, capturing the moods of the man through the letters he wrote, and revealing much that was not known (or could not be published) at the time of those earlier books. In that vein, I'd particularly commend the research into Bushell's time in Prague, sheltered by Czech Resistance, as being pivotal in bringing new insight into the man, and the events that moulded Bushell into his final form - the Bushell of the Great Escape.
If you ever read PoW tales, then you'll have got a glimpse of Bushell and wanted to know more. For more than sixty years Bushell's life story was begging to be told, and now it has been.
Go read it.
Inevitably it covers much of the same ground as the three books that - to my mind - introduced Roger Bushell to my/Pearson's generation. Pearson openly acknowledges his debt to those books - The Great Escape (Paul Brickhill), 'Wings' Day (Sidney Smith) and Escape From Germany (Aidan Crawley). But in these books - great as they are - Bushell appears in his final form, a lion already caged, with little information of what formed this great, but arguably flawed leader of men.
Pearson's great achievement is that he shows the making of the man, through the words of those who knew him. Pearson admits that luck played a part - doors opened for him to meet a few survivors of the Great Escape, and at a time when the family was making Bushell's papers available.
It is a scholarly work, with 15-20% devoted to a thorough bibliography and cross-reference to his sources. At the same time, it is a thoroughly readable story, too, capturing the moods of the man through the letters he wrote, and revealing much that was not known (or could not be published) at the time of those earlier books. In that vein, I'd particularly commend the research into Bushell's time in Prague, sheltered by Czech Resistance, as being pivotal in bringing new insight into the man, and the events that moulded Bushell into his final form - the Bushell of the Great Escape.
If you ever read PoW tales, then you'll have got a glimpse of Bushell and wanted to know more. For more than sixty years Bushell's life story was begging to be told, and now it has been.
Go read it.
May 6, 2014
An amazing story! I have always been fascinated by WW2 Allied prisoner of war stories; fondly remembering "The Colditz Story" and "The Wooden Horse". "The Great Escape" is one of my favourite films (despite its inaccuracies) and "Colditz" will forever remain in my top 10 TV shows (does anyone else remember the incredible performance of Michael Bryant as the prisoner trying to be repatriated by pretending he was insane?).
This book, telling in great detail the real story of "Big X" and his life up to and including the Great Escape and it's aftermath, is fascinating, both as a biography and in detailing the incredible organisation that was brought to bear in the camps. Equally interesting are the depictions of the attitudes of German officers to their "enemies" and the way in which prisoners' correspondence became a key element within military intelligence.
The writing is workmanlike, which suits the subject matter perfectly and I strongly recommend it to anyone with an interest in this field.
This book, telling in great detail the real story of "Big X" and his life up to and including the Great Escape and it's aftermath, is fascinating, both as a biography and in detailing the incredible organisation that was brought to bear in the camps. Equally interesting are the depictions of the attitudes of German officers to their "enemies" and the way in which prisoners' correspondence became a key element within military intelligence.
The writing is workmanlike, which suits the subject matter perfectly and I strongly recommend it to anyone with an interest in this field.
November 2, 2013
This is a great read, real boys own stuff.
The author manages to tell a very personal story with the colour of the age and manages the difficult balance between explaining the 2nd world war backdrop without patronising the reader.
I've enjoyed it and so have the friends I have recommended it too.
It's obvious the author has the greatest respect for the subject and the challenges that faced Europeans at that time.
The author manages to tell a very personal story with the colour of the age and manages the difficult balance between explaining the 2nd world war backdrop without patronising the reader.
I've enjoyed it and so have the friends I have recommended it too.
It's obvious the author has the greatest respect for the subject and the challenges that faced Europeans at that time.
June 24, 2023
I chose a random book in the library and i know nothing about Roger Bushell. I love him. I love his story. RIP bushell💝
October 18, 2018
So what makes a hero? Roger Bushell, chief architect of the Great Escape, seems the archetypal hero. Young, good looking, from a monied background, ski champion, well educated and a flyboy to boot. The reality is not so black and white, as the story of this privileged playboy unfolds.
Shot down on his first mission, his life as a PoW is very much centred on escape, initially back to his gold-digger fiancee. He escapes to Prague but is unable to leave the town, and some very selfish actions result in tragedy for the family who harbour him, as well as for members of the Resistance. This also brings him to the notice of the Gestapo.
Many of Bushell's actions could be interpreted as arrogant or self-centred - sending 180 men out into the cold of an October night, readily admitting that only a few would stand a chance of a successful escape - was this purely to harrass Hitler and the Nazis at a key moment in the War, or was it a calculated diversion to give his own well-planned escape the best possible chance to succeed?
It's a great read, and I felt great sympathy for all the PoWs, and especially for those who paid the ultimate price. Only by learning from history can we avoid repeating the mistakes. You'll have to make up your own mind as to whether Bushell was a hero or dangerously foolhardy - his contemporaries clearly sat in both camps.
Shot down on his first mission, his life as a PoW is very much centred on escape, initially back to his gold-digger fiancee. He escapes to Prague but is unable to leave the town, and some very selfish actions result in tragedy for the family who harbour him, as well as for members of the Resistance. This also brings him to the notice of the Gestapo.
Many of Bushell's actions could be interpreted as arrogant or self-centred - sending 180 men out into the cold of an October night, readily admitting that only a few would stand a chance of a successful escape - was this purely to harrass Hitler and the Nazis at a key moment in the War, or was it a calculated diversion to give his own well-planned escape the best possible chance to succeed?
It's a great read, and I felt great sympathy for all the PoWs, and especially for those who paid the ultimate price. Only by learning from history can we avoid repeating the mistakes. You'll have to make up your own mind as to whether Bushell was a hero or dangerously foolhardy - his contemporaries clearly sat in both camps.
April 13, 2025
I found this book in a random charity shop last year, and thought it could be quite interesting given I've read the book covering the Great Escape by Brickhill a fair number of times now.
This book does a great job of portraying the era - there's some bits I could have done without (I'm pretty sure the author describes Bushell as snogging his younger sister...), but once Bushell gets shot down this takes an understandably more serious nature. I won't lie, I had tears in my eyes when reading the last few chapters.
I think if you've any interest in either The Great Escape or Stalug Lift III then you'd likely appreciate this.
This book does a great job of portraying the era - there's some bits I could have done without (I'm pretty sure the author describes Bushell as snogging his younger sister...), but once Bushell gets shot down this takes an understandably more serious nature. I won't lie, I had tears in my eyes when reading the last few chapters.
I think if you've any interest in either The Great Escape or Stalug Lift III then you'd likely appreciate this.
May 1, 2019
A most enlightening read, Simon Pearson went to considerable lengths to research his subject, Roger Bushell. He writes of a complex character, successful in his endeavours and at the same time egotistical to the irritation of some. Without doubt though, Bushell was a leader and highly competent one at that. Fascinating insights into Big X and the hugely elaborate escape plans and execution. An authoritative read, very well worth while.
April 1, 2020
Like many, I only knew this extraordinary story from the film The Great Escape, the one where Steve McQueen attempts to jump the barbed wire fence on a motorbike. The true story is even more extraordinary. This riveting tale is about the life of Roger Bushell, the brains behind the whole escape. Heroic and heartbreaking. I'd highly recommend it.
January 9, 2021
Very interesting to read the details of every steps Roger Bushell's organizing skill in PoW compounds for such big engineering and intelligence work. However, about half of the book was filled with his personal life side details, which I was not much interested in.
January 21, 2021
Well researched. The hero starts as a boy, becomes a man, enters the stuff of legend, becomes a man again, becomes a world-class hero, and ... It is eye-opening to me that leadership is more about pure guts, tenacity, and faith in your cause.
December 11, 2021
If you like history especially 2nd world War, then this book you will find fascinating. This is the story of Big X, who caused the Germans real headaces whilst being a pow.
December 21, 2024
One of the best books I’ve read. Hands down.
August 14, 2016
Excellent detailing on the early life and tragic end of the man who coordinated the legendary mass breakout of Stalag Luft III during World War II. You wonder how much more you could learn about a man and an incident so long after it happened; well, here you are presented thus in a most entertaining and enlightening read. As you might expect there's a lot of anecdotes of incidents that happened during Roger Bushell's early life in South Africa; his travel to England and subsequent schooling at Cambridge; his passion with skiing and flying and thus his commissioning in the RAF, where he was, sadly, shot down on his very first engagement of the enemy (after shooting down two Messerschmidts, mind you!) His first escape attempts are detailed, and even his love life before, during, and after his imprisonment. It's interesting stuff, even though you almost certainly already know the sad ending. This will have to go along with Brickhill's "The Great Escape" and Eric Williams' "The Wooden Horse" as required reading for those interested in the goings-on at Stalag Luft III and the aftermath thereof. Recommended.
May 3, 2014
Excellent book, detailing the life of Roger Bushell. The man who was "Big X", the executive officer of the escape commitee for the POW's at Stalg Luft III.
The book tells of his early life in south Africa where he was born, to his education in England before joining the RAF and the outbreak of the war.
Told using his mother's memoirs and recollections from friends and fellow prisoners, aswell as official records from schools and government departments.
the book tells you alot of his exploits both good and bad, during his younger years and detailing his military career. Including his three escapes from POW camps, being interrogated by the Gestapo, also how he became Big X and the man in charge of the Great Escape.
Days after his escape, he was caught and shot by the gestapo. One of 50 escapees killed after being captured, a breach of the geneva convention and as such a war crime.
A great book about an amazing man and worth a read.
The book tells of his early life in south Africa where he was born, to his education in England before joining the RAF and the outbreak of the war.
Told using his mother's memoirs and recollections from friends and fellow prisoners, aswell as official records from schools and government departments.
the book tells you alot of his exploits both good and bad, during his younger years and detailing his military career. Including his three escapes from POW camps, being interrogated by the Gestapo, also how he became Big X and the man in charge of the Great Escape.
Days after his escape, he was caught and shot by the gestapo. One of 50 escapees killed after being captured, a breach of the geneva convention and as such a war crime.
A great book about an amazing man and worth a read.
December 23, 2017
What Roger Bushell packed into his short life, notwithstanding its tragic end, leaves you feeling truly small and insignificant.
Perhaps some people are made for a time of war; drawn towards the thrill of being at the edge of life. In doing so they appear to live life twice as much as the rest of us. Bushell was one of those people.
I'm not sure he was a man I would have liked if I had met him - but his courage and bloody-mindedness can't fail to draw your respect.
Simon Pearson documents a life that burned brightly but all too briefly and inspired, with a nudge from Hollywood, the genesis of a modern myth. He tells the story with care and without judgement. It is a riveting spitfire ride through an amazing life and death.
Perhaps some people are made for a time of war; drawn towards the thrill of being at the edge of life. In doing so they appear to live life twice as much as the rest of us. Bushell was one of those people.
I'm not sure he was a man I would have liked if I had met him - but his courage and bloody-mindedness can't fail to draw your respect.
Simon Pearson documents a life that burned brightly but all too briefly and inspired, with a nudge from Hollywood, the genesis of a modern myth. He tells the story with care and without judgement. It is a riveting spitfire ride through an amazing life and death.
May 22, 2018
A great deal of my enthusiasm for this book may lie in my interest for the material rather than love for the writing style. That being said, Pearson does a masterful job of pulling together material about a man who has been dead for over seventy years and who (inexplicably) has had no other books written specifically about him. Not a book to read to introduce you to the Great Escape but a must-read once you have fallen in love with the beauty and tragedy of it.
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July 2, 2014I found this fascinating. I'd read the Paul Brickhill book, but this offered a new perspective on the Great Escape.
It ended rather abruptly, though, I would have liked to read more on the efforts (mostly successful) to catch those who killed Rodger Bushell and his fellow escapers... that would have rounded the book off for me.
It ended rather abruptly, though, I would have liked to read more on the efforts (mostly successful) to catch those who killed Rodger Bushell and his fellow escapers... that would have rounded the book off for me.
September 22, 2013
It's not like me to choose a journalistic style factual book - I'm usually fiction all the way. I thoroughly enjoyed it, wept in places and would recommend it to anyone.
July 27, 2015
Review to follow
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews