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The Soldier Who Came Back
Northern Poland, 1940: at the Nazi war camp Stalag XX-A, two men struck up an unlikely friendship which led to one of the most remarkable wartime escape stories ever told. Antony Coulthard was the privately educated son of wealthy parents with a degree in modern languages from Oxford. Fred Foster, the son of a bricklayer, had left school at 14. This mismatched young pair hatched a plan to disguise themselves and simply walk out of the camp, board a train, and head straight into the heart of Nazi Germany. This audacious plan involved 18 months of undercover work, including Antony spending 3 hours each evening teaching Fred German. They set off for the Swiss border via Germany, but when they reached the border town of Lake Constance, with Switzerland within their reach, Antony crossed over into freedom, while Fred's luck ran out. What happened to them both next is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
236 pages, Hardcover
Published May 24, 2018
22 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Alan Clark
132 books21 followersAlan Clark was an English Conservative MP, historian and diarist.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 20, 2018
Many thanks to #NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I grew up reading books about P.O.W.'s and their escape attempts. My Dad served in WW2 and his brother was captured in Italy and spent a year in a camp. I had the privilege of interviewing him about his experiences, so stories like this one have an immediate appeal to me. I found my Dad's war letters and photographs in a box hidden under his workbench in the basement after he died so I could really identify with the author who through studying his family history discovered the incredible story of his father and the friend that he made as a POW shortly after his capture.
Fred Foster and Anthony Coulthard came from very different backgrounds but both were intelligent men. Neither of them were officers but both were eager to learn. Captured at different times and places they quickly formed a bond and planned an incredible escape that would take them the long way home via Germany. They almost made it.
Not long after they were separated and their lives went along different paths. Only one survived the war.
The author meticulously researched the details of their story and lays it out for the reader in a way that captures the attention and keeps one reading. Telling the story and seeing that those lost in foreign countries are recognized has become a mission for Steve Foster. I wish him well as he continues on with the work and goes forward.
The only thing that would have improved this book for me would be the use of pictures (beyond just the cover photo) and a map of their escape route. As I read, I thought of my uncle and the details that he didn't tell me. I think I understand even more now.
I highly recommend this book.
I grew up reading books about P.O.W.'s and their escape attempts. My Dad served in WW2 and his brother was captured in Italy and spent a year in a camp. I had the privilege of interviewing him about his experiences, so stories like this one have an immediate appeal to me. I found my Dad's war letters and photographs in a box hidden under his workbench in the basement after he died so I could really identify with the author who through studying his family history discovered the incredible story of his father and the friend that he made as a POW shortly after his capture.
Fred Foster and Anthony Coulthard came from very different backgrounds but both were intelligent men. Neither of them were officers but both were eager to learn. Captured at different times and places they quickly formed a bond and planned an incredible escape that would take them the long way home via Germany. They almost made it.
Not long after they were separated and their lives went along different paths. Only one survived the war.
The author meticulously researched the details of their story and lays it out for the reader in a way that captures the attention and keeps one reading. Telling the story and seeing that those lost in foreign countries are recognized has become a mission for Steve Foster. I wish him well as he continues on with the work and goes forward.
The only thing that would have improved this book for me would be the use of pictures (beyond just the cover photo) and a map of their escape route. As I read, I thought of my uncle and the details that he didn't tell me. I think I understand even more now.
I highly recommend this book.
October 17, 2018
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
A brilliant story showing the hardship of war at home and as a prisoner abroad.
My only complaint it didn't last long enough.
A brilliant story showing the hardship of war at home and as a prisoner abroad.
My only complaint it didn't last long enough.
December 13, 2018
A brilliant story of living under Nazi captivity, escape and, finally, closure. The Soldier who Came Back is the best prisoner of war tale of the many I've read. Truth is, indeed, stranger than fiction.
The book's great strength is the painting of the two main characters, one a working class lad from the East Midlands and the other a brilliant Oxford linguist. Both were NCOs, the latter by choice. How they formed a close relationship and together planned an audacious escape makes for fascinating and thrilling reading.
The Soldier Who Came Back is an immensely moving account of two men's wars and of determination, courage, loyalty and friendship. A must read.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
The book's great strength is the painting of the two main characters, one a working class lad from the East Midlands and the other a brilliant Oxford linguist. Both were NCOs, the latter by choice. How they formed a close relationship and together planned an audacious escape makes for fascinating and thrilling reading.
The Soldier Who Came Back is an immensely moving account of two men's wars and of determination, courage, loyalty and friendship. A must read.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
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February 14, 2021I found this book intriguing and so humbling.
This book gives a glimpse of how incredibly kind, loyal and brave people can be when faced with adversity and atrocities.
I would highly recommend this book.
This book gives a glimpse of how incredibly kind, loyal and brave people can be when faced with adversity and atrocities.
I would highly recommend this book.
June 16, 2018
This is an incredible story of human resilience, friendship, honour, love and strength of character under unimaginable circumstances. Fred Foster and Anthony Coulthard’s story will stay with me forever and it’s a credit to Steve Foster for his perseverance and passion for telling his fathers story. I’ve shed tears, but smiled with pride; pride for our boys who never gave up during the Second World War and pride at the genuine humankind that cannot be beaten in good men. Brilliantly written, absorbing, intense, heart-wrenching and honest. Excellent.
May 4, 2019
My thanks to Nudge readers and the Publishers who provided a Paperback copy of this book to read and honestly review.
According to the cover the true account of a heart-stopping journey and a heart-breaking decision, now the saying goes that you should never judge a book by it's cover, so how to choose a book to read. Well I personally use what I call 'the first page test' which as it suggests involves reading the first page, and if after that I want to carry on reading then i buy the book, and 95% of the time it works. In this case I ended up reading all five pages of the prologue, that's how attention grabbing and intriguing the start was.
Absorbing compelling and memorable this is a riveting read. A tale of honour and love, as two men from very different backgrounds become prisoners of War, and firm friends who refuse to just accept their fate, and plan an audacious and frankly amazing plan of escape. We learn the back story of the lives of our escapees prior to the start of the Second World War, their eventual capture and incarceration in a Polish prison camp. Part detective story, always interesting sometimes funny often sad, a tale of resilience and strength of character that remains with you as you close the book for the final time. Well written and descriptive with excellent characterization throughout.
WARNING :- As is often the case with Non Fiction stories there a several pages of photos mid way through the book, but don't look at them as they spoil the end of the book.
Recommended reading.
According to the cover the true account of a heart-stopping journey and a heart-breaking decision, now the saying goes that you should never judge a book by it's cover, so how to choose a book to read. Well I personally use what I call 'the first page test' which as it suggests involves reading the first page, and if after that I want to carry on reading then i buy the book, and 95% of the time it works. In this case I ended up reading all five pages of the prologue, that's how attention grabbing and intriguing the start was.
Absorbing compelling and memorable this is a riveting read. A tale of honour and love, as two men from very different backgrounds become prisoners of War, and firm friends who refuse to just accept their fate, and plan an audacious and frankly amazing plan of escape. We learn the back story of the lives of our escapees prior to the start of the Second World War, their eventual capture and incarceration in a Polish prison camp. Part detective story, always interesting sometimes funny often sad, a tale of resilience and strength of character that remains with you as you close the book for the final time. Well written and descriptive with excellent characterization throughout.
WARNING :- As is often the case with Non Fiction stories there a several pages of photos mid way through the book, but don't look at them as they spoil the end of the book.
Recommended reading.
December 1, 2021
A rare non-fiction read for me, recommend by my wife. A fascinating tale of courage and skill, unearthed and written by the son of one of the main characters.
After joining the forces at the start of WW2 Steve Foster’s father, Fred, finds himself sent to Norway and is quickly taken prisoner and sent to to a POW camp in Poland. Here Fred strikes up a friendship with Anthony Coulthard, an Oxford educated linguist. The two of them plan a daring escape, necessitating a journey through the length of Germany, aiming to complete their escape through neutral Switzerland.
This escapade forms the main part of the story. Sadly their attempt fails at the last moment and they are forced to spend the rest of the war in captivity. On his eventual return home Fred learns that Anthony died on a forced march through the bitter winter of 1944/45, a victim of the brutality of the Nazi machine. The book has several examples of this, but the authors try to present Germany in its best possible light, both in the past and in the modern day. The Third Reich years are seen as a temporary blip, when a whole nation was hoodwinked into the extremities which are so well documented.
A well-written and gripping tale, giving just one example of the bravery shown by many involved in the face of evil and a major war. Strangely though it doesn’t guide me towards more non-fiction.
After joining the forces at the start of WW2 Steve Foster’s father, Fred, finds himself sent to Norway and is quickly taken prisoner and sent to to a POW camp in Poland. Here Fred strikes up a friendship with Anthony Coulthard, an Oxford educated linguist. The two of them plan a daring escape, necessitating a journey through the length of Germany, aiming to complete their escape through neutral Switzerland.
This escapade forms the main part of the story. Sadly their attempt fails at the last moment and they are forced to spend the rest of the war in captivity. On his eventual return home Fred learns that Anthony died on a forced march through the bitter winter of 1944/45, a victim of the brutality of the Nazi machine. The book has several examples of this, but the authors try to present Germany in its best possible light, both in the past and in the modern day. The Third Reich years are seen as a temporary blip, when a whole nation was hoodwinked into the extremities which are so well documented.
A well-written and gripping tale, giving just one example of the bravery shown by many involved in the face of evil and a major war. Strangely though it doesn’t guide me towards more non-fiction.
January 5, 2020
Any first hand account of what people went through during wartime, especially the horrendous WWII, is valuable, and this is one of those, made more poignant by the fact that the event recounted in this book nearly didn't see the light of day. My only mild criticism is that the book clearly is ghost-written by (the excellent) Alan Clark, and once one has read a few ghost-written books, there is a similarity in style in how real events are dramatised to keep the pages turning and draw the reader in. The story is well-worth reading though and filled in gaps for me about what went on in prisoner of war camps.
March 1, 2019
I met the daughter of Fred Foster in India five years ago. After meeting for a reunion recently she recommended me this book. I can wholeheartedly confirm that she has the same passion for life as her father, and the same beauty as her mother. This is such a touching story, and had me holding back tears at the prologue. A story of two men's journey through the war and their unwavering zest for life. Steve's role of retracing their steps is so touching, and he brings the story to life in a truly perfect way.
July 9, 2018
Amazing book. I don’t usually read books like this but it was recommended by my Dad. I really enjoyed reading this true story about WW2 and learning things I did not know about the war. I thought the book was really touching and I liked reading about the friendship between the two men. This book made me emotional as it was really well written to enable the reader to relate to the two men in the book and what they must have been going through. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 1, 2019
A fantastic story, truly moving in places and an incredible insight into the lives of PoWs during WWII. Despite knowing how the story ends I was still almost in tears when it came to its conclusion. I have had the privilege of hearing Steve Foster (the author) tell this story during a public speaking engagement, several years before he wrote the book, and it was equally then. Easy to read, it canters along as more of a "Boys Own" tale of derring-do, than as a boring history. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2020
What a terrific read!
This is a Heart warming true story about two people thrown together by world events. It is a well written book which I found quite uplifting. I warn any reader looking at the photos in the middle of the book that they will stumble on information found in detail further in the book, so take note of this spoiler alert! Any reader interested in WW2 will find this book well worth a read.
This is a Heart warming true story about two people thrown together by world events. It is a well written book which I found quite uplifting. I warn any reader looking at the photos in the middle of the book that they will stumble on information found in detail further in the book, so take note of this spoiler alert! Any reader interested in WW2 will find this book well worth a read.
October 28, 2018
I had bought this book for my hubby, he had read about it and he enjoyed reading it. I decided to read it also and I coudlnt stop. It was such an amazing story of two men who in normal peactime would probably never have met but who came together after being taken as prisoners of war. It was so moving and descriptive and I confess to shedding a tear or more at the end.
March 8, 2020
What a roller coaster of emotions it is to read this book. I was drawn in straight away and like others could not put the book down. Once again I feel that I was so lucky to be born after this period and not have had to experience the atrocities that these brave people had to bear. A must read.
April 6, 2020
After a slow start this turned out to be a compelling read. A gripping tale, beautifully written, full of hope, despair and bravery along with some twists of fate. Be warned though, the photos in the centre of the book contain spoilers. I wish I hadn't read the detail on then so early on!
October 18, 2021
A story of two unlikely friends. The one made it back after the war, the other not. The one felt guilty for making it back. The one son went on a quest to find out what happened to the missing friend. In the end the two families came together for the reburial of the lost soldier.
July 11, 2019
A human story told with simplicity and dignity. A must read.
January 19, 2020
Amazing story. Amazing men.
February 24, 2020
Excellent read
Thoroughly thought provoking and told with respect and understanding. Lest we forget the sacrifices made by the few for the many
Thoroughly thought provoking and told with respect and understanding. Lest we forget the sacrifices made by the few for the many
May 1, 2020
A very emotional story
May 17, 2020
Wow. I’ve been lucky to see the authors live presentation on this book. The extra-ordinary story is incredible, and heart breaking.
August 4, 2020
Hard to avoid feeling it was a little over embellished by the author.
October 4, 2020
Unbelievable
It truly is a very remarkable story and one that truly proves that truth is stranger than fiction a very remarkable story of friendship and courage.
It truly is a very remarkable story and one that truly proves that truth is stranger than fiction a very remarkable story of friendship and courage.
July 2, 2024
Perfect escape story for people looking for a WW2 PoW story
September 3, 2025
Wish I could give this a 2.5 half good half quite long, great story but I have read other POW stories which I find more incredible.
March 16, 2026
tear jerker
June 4, 2019
Wow! This book had me reading into the small hours as I was desperate to know what happened. It is incredible that these two men had the courage and bravery to escape a POW camp and travel across Nazi Germany at the height of WW2. This must have been absolutely terrifying but both men appear to have taken it in their stride, one in order to see his beloved wife again and the other for the thrill of it all! I really enjoyed the camaraderie amongst the soldiers as although many of them did not want to risk escape and possible execution they were very supportive of people who did. The last quarter of the book had me in tears, I really hope the author is successful in his quest to find the lost soldiers. I highly recommend this book and think it would make a really great film.
April 29, 2024
Great book!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews