HistoryExtra podcast Following the footsteps of a WW2 prisoner of war
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Feb 23, 2026 Malcolm Gaskill, historian and author of The Glass Mountain, traces his great-uncle Ralph’s WWII odyssey from capture in Libya to daring escapes in Italy. He recounts finding memoirs and archives, walking Camp 65, a hair-raising plan to steal a plane, narrow near-captures, and the surprising bravery of Italians who sheltered escapees. The narrative blends detective-style research with personal family memory.
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Family Dream Sparked Deep Historical Investigation
- Malcolm Gaskill's search began with a family dream that led him to a contemporary memoir hidden in Doncaster.
- That memoir, written by Ralph in hiding in northern Italy, became the core source that launched years of archival and field research.
Warrant Officer Privilege Shaped Ralph's Camp Experience
- Ralph was a warrant officer and head of the camp police, giving him status and privileges in Camp 65.
- Those privileges (better food, accommodation) made him resented by other prisoners and explain gaps in his memoir about camp life.
Walking Camp 65 Brought History To Life
- Gaskill visited Camp 65 in 2021 with Don Bolognese and found many original buildings still standing.
- Walking the site created a 'ghostly' connection and allowed him to match landscape details (like a tree) to wartime descriptions.
