Great Escapes of World War II

No walls could hold them. No punishment could scare them. No enemy could stop them. In this unforgettable program, former POWs, resistance fighters, soldiers and guards tell the incredible stories of their thrilling adventures. Through dramatic recreations, rare photographs and films, The Great Escapes of World War II explores some of the most daring escapes of the war. The Great Escapes of World War II would be useful for classes on American History, European History, American Culture, Military History and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Part 2

Part 2 focuses on the escape efforts of Allied airmen with the assistance of the French Resistance and on the escape attempt of German POWs. German POWs led by U-boat commander Jurgen Wattenburg executed once of the largest and most spectacular escapes from a US camp.

• accelerate
• cassock
• clandestine
• collaborator
• cordon
• extract
• horrific
• illusions
• interrogate
• momentous
• notorious
• operatives
• proliferate
• sabotage
• solidarity
• specter
• vanquished
• vicarage

Discussion Questions

1. The French Resistance provided Allied airmen with food and assistance when they were shot down behind enemy lines. But who were the French Resistance? Who made up the membership?

2. How did the French Resistance operate?

3. What was the contribution of the Resistance to an Allied victory in Europe?

4. Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of England, authorized the assembly of a special operations unit, the 161 Flight Squadron. What was the job of this squadron? How did this squadron enable Allied airmen to help the Resistance held their downed brothers?

5. Why was there such secrecy among Resistance fighters?

6. Discuss how the Nazis tried to gain control of the Resistance. Why were the Nazis generally unsuccessful at this?

7. Members of the Resistance differ in their opinions on the contribution of the Resistance to the Allied victory. Why do they have different opinions? Compare some of the opinions expressed by former Resistance members.

8. The United States Army transported German POWs across the Atlantic to the United States. Why did the United States bring German POWs to the US? Why didn’t they establish camps for them in Allied occupied territory in Europe? How did the US treat its prisoners?

9. If German POWs were treated relatively well, why did they attempt to escape?

10. How did the American guards and American Army capture the escaped POWs?

Extended Activities

1. Imagine that you a Resistance fighter during World War II. Keep a diary or a journal of your clandestine activities and explain how your activities helped the war effort.

2. Design a monument to the French Resistance that effectively conveys the courage and sacrifice of those brave men and women.

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Air Dates

• July 10, 2001