The Mysterious German POW Escapes during World War II
During World War II, an estimated number of around 25,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) managed to escape from Allied camps. However, the exact number is difficult to determine due to the chaotic nature of the war and the varying record-keeping practices of the time.
One of the most notable escape cases originated from Stalag Luft III, which is often portrayed in the famous film 'The Great Escape.' This particular camp housed many of the German soldiers who would attempt to break free, making it a significant hub for escape operations.
German POWs in Allied Captivity
The process of liberation for German POWs varied greatly, and in some cases, it wasn't at all what they expected. For instance, after World War II, the British liberated my mother's POW camp, in which she was involved through her participation in the Warsaw uprising. It was a stark contrast to the liberation of the POWs, as many of them were weak, starving, and their country was occupied, making escape an impractical option.
Escapes and Their Outcomes
The overall escape rate for German POWs was quite low, especially among those in Allied captivity. During the American camp in the US, which held around 375,000 German POWs, the escape rate was approximately 1%. However, all these escapees were recaptured, with the exception of one remarkable case.
This lone survivor, Oberleutnant Franz von Werra from the Luftwaffe, managed to escape from Allied captivity in Canada. He jumped from a moving train and crossed into the neutral United States, where he lived for over four decades before eventually turning himself in. By that time, he had become a naturalized U.S. citizen and had lived a varied life, including tennis playing and working in various careers.
Humorous Escape Stories
Not all escape stories were as dramatic or successful. Some POWs managed to escape their camps and were found later engaging in harmless activities. For instance, some were discovered in local bowling alleys, drinking beer, and flirting. Others were spotted wandering around nearby towns, merely sightseeing and taking in the surroundings.
The largest, and perhaps most elaborate, group of escapees was the case of Kriegsmarine officers and sailors who attempted to hike to Mexico. They planned to commandeer a boat and return to Europe. However, they severely underestimated the distance and the harshness of the Arizona desert, leading to capture after experiencing poor health and hunger. Some were even tracked down and captured by Native Americans, who wanted the reward money for the escapees (25.00 per individual).
Remarkably, two of the escapees eventually turned themselves in when their injuries became too severe for them to continue the journey. They sought refuge at a ranch house, where they were met by a young child who told them the parents were away. When the parents returned, they were greeted with the officers cooking tea and sharing chocolate with the children, regaling them with war stories. The officers were allowed to return to the camp without further incident.
Further Reading
To learn more about the experiences of German POWs in the United States during World War II, you may want to read 'Nazi Prisoners of War in America' by Arnold Krammer (9780812885613), which offers a insightful look into their lives and the challenges they faced.