Escaper's Progress: The Remarkable POW Experiences of a Royal Naval Officer

by David James

A British naval officer details life as a prisoner of war and his courageous and suspenseful escape attempts during World War II.David James was in Motor Gunboats (with Robert Hichens of Gunboat Command). Captured in February 1943 after abandoning ship due to fierce engagement with three German armed trawlers in the North Sea, he was imprisoned in Dulag Marlag.His first tunnel was discovered before completion. In December 1943 he succeeded in escaping during the weekly bath house visit and was on the run for almost a week disguised as an officer of the Royal Bulgarian Navy. He was captured after several close calls while attempting to board a ship at Lubeck.In February 1944 he escaped again this time dressed as a Swedish sailor and traveled by train to Bremen, Hamburg, Lubeck, Rostock finishing up in Danzig, all the while searching for a suitable ship. He eventually succeeded in reaching Stockholm after two and a half days in the extreme heat of a ship’s engine room. His superbly written narrative is full of suspense and excitement.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, World War II, Autobiography

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, easy to read book about a young RNVR officers capture and subsequent escape from a POW camp in Germany. It is also interesting to see what life was like in Marlag Nord camp, which was specifically for Navy POW's and run by the Kriegsmarine. The author describes all relevant things in great detail, while not lingering too long on the stories and keeps your interest peaked throughout the book. And even though it was first published in 1947, there does not seem to be hatred or propaganda as in lots of other books written so shortly after the war. Great book and highly recommended for anyone looking for a refreshing POW Escape book.

[Tuesday Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good friend of mine recommended this book. She is the granddaughter of the author and couldn't be happier that I enjoyed reading and learning about her family and what an incredible life her grandfather led. I have been wanting to read more about WWII for a long while and this book has given me that kick up the bum I needed to get back this type of reading again.

The way that David writes made me feel his dry humour whether intentional or not, and his story kept me hooked. Harder to read at times than others, but I am glad that I 'travelled' with him 70 years later.

[Kenneth Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GRIPPING TALE OF WW2 ESCAPE AND COURAGE

A true account of bravery and resourcefulness told modesty by an WW2 R.A.F Officer captured by the Germans, who successfully escaped from a prison-of-war camp to continue serving his country.

[Antony Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tale

Enjoy all the trials and excitement of the authors journey from capture to freedom. A great read from start to finish.

[Jill Rowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read

A story to gladden the heart An escape from wartime captivity by a brave man who had some luck along the way

[Ardos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a brave adventure that not many men would consider trying.

Very brave, so we're all pows who didn't escape.
Written brilliantly easy to read and follow, I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1943 Personal account of escape from a German POW camp