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Storyville: The Real Great Escape

Factual: History

The Real Great Escape

19/04/2012

BBC Four - Storyville, The Real Great Escape

The story of the mastermind behind World War II's Great Escape, Roger Bushell.

A Storyville Documentary: The story of the mastermind behind World War II's Great Escape, Roger Bushell, who became 'Big X' on his return to the PoW camp Stalag Luft 111.

For the first time, the true story of the mastermind behind World War II's Great Escape is told by his niece, Lindy Wilson. Squadron Leader Roger Bushell was a young London barrister, an auxiliary pilot and a champion skier when he was shot down and captured early in the war. He escaped three times and, in spite of the Gestapo's threat to shoot him if he ever escaped again, Bushell accepted the role of 'Big X' on his return to the top-security PoW camp, Stalag Luft 111. 

After 18 months of preparation, one of the greatest escapes of the war took place. Their aim to distract the enemy succeeded, as it was estimated that five million Germans were deployed to recapture the 76 escapees. However, Hitler's rage was uncontainable and he personally ordered a terrible reckoning.

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