The Jordan Harbinger Show 935: Ben Macintyre | Escaping from a Nazi Fortress Prison
Dec 21, 2023
In this engaging conversation, Ben Macintyre, author of 'Prisoners of the Castle,' shares the thrilling tales of Colditz Castle, a notorious Nazi POW camp. He describes how it became a competitive 'escape university' for Allied officers. Listeners will be captivated by stories of ingenious escape attempts, from hand-dug tunnels to homemade gliders. Macintyre also discusses the complex dynamics among prisoners and guards, revealing a mix of camaraderie and rivalry. His insights on the officers' resourcefulness and the absurdity of their situations make for an unforgettable listen.
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The Colditz Glider
- Prisoners built a glider from bedposts, floorboards, and mattress covers soaked in porridge.
- They planned to catapult it off the roof, demonstrating the ingenuity of escape attempts.
International Competition
- Colditz housed prisoners of various nationalities, fostering competition in escape attempts.
- An international committee was formed to coordinate these attempts, reflecting the unique social dynamics.
Le Metro Tunnel
- A 150-meter tunnel, "Le Metro," was built with air conditioning and a telephone.
- Eighty prisoners worked on this tunnel, highlighting the scale of some escape attempts.
