Delousing break

The Delousing break was a mass escape attempt by British, American and Allied Aircrew Officer Prisoners of War during the Second World War. It occurred on 12 June 1943 from the North Compound of Stalag Luft III POW camp in Germany^[1]

Main Party

The plan was masterminded by Squadron Leader Roger Bushell RAF who also organized The Great Escape from the same camp.^[2]

24 officers, escorted by 2 fake guards (Allied POWs disguised as Germans) left the camp through the main gate to proceed to the neighbouring compound to be deloused. All 26 escapees were recaptured, many within hours. 24 were returned to camp, but 2 were sent to Oflag IV-C at Colditz for attempting to steal an aircraft. These officers were Flight Lieutenant Lorne Welch and Pilot Officer Walter Morison.^[3] Included in this escape party were Flying Officer Henry Birkland RCAF and Flight Lieutenant John Stower who both were murdered following the Great Escape in March 1944.^{[4] [5]}

Second Party

A second party of 6 officers, again escorted by a fake guard (Flight Lieutenant Bram van der Stok) also attempted to escape whilst enroute to the neighbouring compound shortly after the main party had left, however the forged pass carried by Van der Stok was of an out-dated type, and the alarm was raised. This party included RAF fighter ace Wing Commander Robert Stanford Tuck.^[6] All participants in the escape were given a period of time in solitary confinement.

References

1. ^ AIR40/2645 Chapter II Para 24(a) page 43
2. ^ 'The Great Escape' by Paul Brickhill Chapter 6
3. ^ 'Flak & Ferrets' by Walter Morison
4. ^ AIR40/2645 Chapter II Para 24(a) page 43
5. ^ AIR40/2645 Chapter II Para 24(b) pages 49&50
6. ^ AIR40/2645 Chapter II Para 24(a) page 44